Shah, A.

Draws attention to the interface between community development and the broader political economy. Thus the key to change ultimately resides in public policy and on decision makers at the highest levels of authority. The author sketches scenarios for influencing the status quo and steering policy towards more participatory grounds.

This humorous account describes a field visit with District Officers in India, where the technique of "shoulder tapping" was used to interrupt officers who tried to give advice to the farmers. The actual dialogue shows the way in which the officers' assumptions were challenged by the farmers they met.