Resources

This document is the first part of a series of four parts. The objective of the series is to help readers understand the basic civic concepts around which society is organised. It and forms part pf the wider process of civic education organised by the church/NGO civic education network, the Community Publishing Process (CPP), which is an innovative democratic process involving thousands of Zimbabwe citizens. Through the process, the learners develop their confidence, creativity and skills by participating in the design of their own learning materials. The series is written in an easily accessible language using pictures and illustrations to explain concepts, and providing exercises and questions for discussion. It is based on participatory, problem-posing methods where readers are encouraged to analyse problems and search for their own solutions. This part of the series focuses on development. After a brief introduction looking at development in the life of a citizen, the book goes on to examine the concept of development based on ideas from CPP participants, and African history and from international experiences. This is followed by an exercise on publicising the meaning of development. Achievements and common problems in relation to development, and strategies for strengthening development are also discussed. The book also contains supplements with a village civic drama and trainerÆs guide for a civic workshop on development

This report presents an overview of literature on community approaches to wildlife management. These approaches are analysed in two main groupings: top-down and participatory. The focus is mainly on experiences gained in Africa, with a few illustrative case studies drawn from outside the region. The benefits provided by wildlife management are discussed in terms of use and non-use values. Use values comprise both traditional and non-traditional products harvested for consumptive use, and the various ecological functions provided by species and their habitats; non-use values consist of the value of wildlife as a cultural and heritage asset. It is argued in this report that the costs of wildlife management to different stakeholders vary considerably depending on the approach adopted. The report looks at differences between active and passive participation approaches to involve people in the process of wildlife management, which differ in terms of how involved local people really are in making decisions. Other issues raised include institutional capacity building at the local level, lack of legislation, and inappropriate policy frameworks. In conclusion, the report suggests that community wildlife management is likely to be sustainable ecologically, economically and socially only if wildlife management can be made sufficiently attractive to local people for them to adopt the practice as a long-term livelihood strategy. The Report also offers practical suggestions for project appraisals, project evaluations, and supporting community management of wildlife resources.

This book brings together writings on the discourses, politics and practice of participation in development.  It explores the conceptual and methodological dimensions of participatory research and the politics and practice of participation in development. It brings together classic and contemporary writings from a literature that spans a century and in doing so offers a unique perspective on the possibilities and dilemmas that face those seeking to empower people affected by development projects, programmes and policies.

The Participate initiative involves 18 organisations, who work with diverse marginalised people in over 30 countries, coming together to make their voices count on development policy.  This anthology is an account of the activities carried out by the Participatory Research Group (PRG) within the Participate initiative between 2012 and 2014, and also a reflection on the methods and processes created and utilised during that time.  It aims to share the insights and lessons learnt to help promote thought and discussion about how to use participatory approaches to influence policy at a variety of levels.  These experiences include: applying, adapting and innovating participatory methods to promote the voices of participants in all stages of the research process; creating opportunities and spaces for including the perspectives articulated through the research where possible in the policymaking processes; and embedding participatory approaches in local-to global policymaking processes.