The study found that participatory approaches improved information flow but did not lead to increased empowerment in resource control and decision making or to increased motivation to care for and maintain project facilities. The application of standardized packages of participatory approaches did not make project interventions more relevant or sustainable. The report recommends that project interventions be based on a thorough understanding of local conditions in a project area. Adequate fieldwork is needed during project design to identify potential local opportunities and solutions to address local development issues and challenges. (For the full report, see www.adb.org/Evaluation.)