Participatory Development Approach

INTRODUCTION

Participation can be defined as an active process in which the participants take initiative and action that is stimulated by their own thinking and deliberation and over which they can exert effective control. Participatory development is a process through which stakeholders can influence and share control over development initiatives, decisions and other resources that affect them (Payne & Anthony, 2010). Below are some of the reasons why participatory development approach should be pursued in the agricultural development process.

It is sustainable: Participatory development should be used in agricultural development process as it is sustainable and will therefore enhance people’s self-reliance. This will help in the growth of the agricultural sector and the economy as a whole. Self-reliance will bring about motivation to the individuals involved.

Enhances equity: There is a lot of gender inequality in the agricultural sector. The inequality shows clearly when it comes to the access and control of resources. Mostly women only have access to resources such as land, cattle’s etc. but the ultimate control lies with the man. Through participatory development approach in the agricultural sector both genders will be involved in decision making process which will be a step up in equity. However it’s not just about gender, involving everyone in the decision making will generally results in better produce.

Gives agricultural development process a human face: The process of any development including the agricultural development process is essentially concerned with human development. That is the essence of any development process (Corbridge & Stuart, 1995).  With this in mind then its only fair and logical that the agricultural development process should have a human face by being participatory, equitable and sustainable.

Increases the quality and relevance of decision: With increased public awareness and human rights there is no room for dictatorial decisions. The participation in the agricultural development process at the local level increases the quality and relevance of the decision as well as its chances of being successful in the long run. This is because the general public will be rooting for its success.

CONCLUSION

Development in the agricultural sector is not something that a single person can do on their own. There is a lot of interdependence in the industry as a whole and thus decisions made by a single person may affect others in a bad way or even the maker of the decision. To avoid all this, all parties involved should be included in the decision making through participatory development approach.