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Dams and Development E-Paper Contents

p. -1 of 74 BACK | NEXT Home Page of Dams and Development Foreword I. Why an e-paper on dams and development? II. Assessing options III. Participatory processes IV. Social impacts V. Environmental impacts VI. Benefit distribution VII. Dam safety and sustainability VIII. Existing projects IX. Improving governance X. What other organizations say XI. ADB, Dams, and Development XII. References Contact Us

Poverty and Social development - Modes for Participation

In 2003, ADB published a summary of experience gained in capacity building and participation activities supported under regional technical assistance, RETA 5894. The initiatives 'gave voice to stakeholders, facilitated communication, smoothed project processing, improved quality and helped manage conflict'.

'Effective development requires the early and substantive involvement of all stakeholders in the decisions that will affect them. When the people involved feel that their participation is meaningful, the quality and efficiency of development initiatives improve'. (para 1)

Similar to the spectrum of participation outlined by the IAP, the RETA summary identifies a useful categorization to classify the intensity of participatory processes, ranging from passive exchange of information to full engagement:

• Information sharing (or information gathering) - including disseminating information or asking stakeholders for information. Typically one way communication.
• Consultation (seeking feedback) - people are asked for their opinions, although there is no commitment to incorporate their views
• Collaboration (joint decision making) - active engagement of stakeholders in determining the means to achieve a pre-determined objective. Peoples' views are acted upon.
• Empowerment (shared control) - citizens accept increasing responsibility for developing and implementing action plans. Development professionals become facilitators in a locally driven process.

Each of the above processes has its uses depending on the situation and stage of project processing. Examples are provided in the RETA Summary: (paras 20-82)

In conclusion, the report notes that participation should be optimized, with the relevant breadth and depth to the context and task' 'What may be needed is strong and broad stakeholder participation at strategic and appropriate times, and focused participation at other times'. (para 125)

OM 47 : In pursuing these social objectives the Bank will: (i) encourage a sense of ownership of Bank-assisted projects on the part of stakeholders (e.g., beneficiaries, the DMC government, the executing agency, and the people adversely affected by the project); this sense of ownership will be facilitated by adopting a participatory development process in which the stakeholders are provided opportunities to actively influence and share control over the project and decisions that affect them at all stages of the project cycle, beginning with project identification; (para 4)

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