Community Participation

Step 4: Connect to stakeholders' wants and needs

It is important for implementing organisations to listen to stakeholder priorities. This starts with a needs assessment or problem identification by a broad interest group on the ground. Participatory Action Research provides insight into both the priorities and local solutions. This increases support for an initiative and thus the legitimacy of project.

Example

iMpilo Zimbabwe Trust (Zimbabwe)
The organisation iMpilo Zimbabwe Trust is active in building wells. After completing a project, there was budget left. It was initially suggested that this money be used to purchase soap. Finally, iMpilo Zimbabwe Trust decided to inquire with the community. As it turned out, the well was greatly appreciated but couldn't be used in the evening hours, because of the danger of lions. Consequently, the village suggested installing solar panels to keep the lions away from the well. iMpilo Zimbabwe was unaware of this challenge. Without involving the community, this need would never have come to light.

The toolkit Participation Action Research might be helpful with this step.