Designing community based development.

This document focuses on the issue of whether community based development costs more or not by looking at the costs and benefits of some projects. It argues that when properly designed, community based programmes can be highly effective in managing natural resources, providing basic infrastructure or ensuring primary social services. In its view participation in community based development (CBD) depends on reversing control and accountability from central authorities to community organisations. It concludes that successful design requires tapping into local needs, understanding and building on the strengths of existing institutions, and by defining the changes needed in intermediary agencies to support community action.