In spite of children and young people being involved in many aspects of community life, social policy in the UK often neglects their interests. This book argues that contrary to conventional adult wisdom children and young people are competent to take part in collective decision making and that it is essential that they do so. Practical examples from Save the Children's work are provided to show ways in which children and young people can be encouraged to participate and have a real say in how things are done.
There is a growing trend in most countries in the south to encourage rural communities to manage their water supply systems. This paper is based on an action research programme designed to draw lessons from twenty four projects representing various types of water supply systems and service levels chosen from a range of environmental, socio-economic and cultural conditions.
In South Bihar and Orissa in India indigenous village groups have protected their common lands for several decades. The conditions under which these institutions evolved and the reasons for their success are outlined. Some of the challenges the Forest Department will face in nurturing autonomous people's institutions, through the Joint Forest Management process currently being promoted, are highlighted.
This paper provides a brief critical analyisis of a Bulgarian experience in participatory forest management, in which initial PRA planning and local adaptive planning for forest management was not followed up. The lack of an enabling national forest policy for decentralised forest management was a major factor in the 'failure'. However, professional and institutional challenges in partner NGOs were also important, many of which centred around issues of behaviour and attitudes.
National and International research institutes and NGOs have a growing interest in structured and more transparent methods of priority setting. Aside from selecting and applying appropriate methods, they have to ensure that various stakeholders are well represented. This is crucial for the results and implementation of identified priorities. (Biotechnology and Development Monitor)
