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Community development and research: Participatory learning and action -a development strategy in itself

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  • Stephen Wetmore
  • Francois Theron

Abstract

For any development facilitator or change agent, a potential paradox can arise when, assisting with self-reliant participatory development. This paradox occurs when the change agent tries to help and encourage people to develop themselves and, in so doing, undermines their self-reliance and sustainability, the very aim of development. The theoretical basis for the meaning of development is often at the root of such a paradox: it is argued that theory and the concept of development are in actual fact incompatible within the realm of social reality. It is further argued that Participatory Learning and Action (PLA), which rejects theory as the foundation for development and embraces human consciousness, can offer an appropriate strategy that can avoid such a paradox. This article is inspired by the tenacious efforts of resource-poor people. It is largely based on PLA initiatives undertaken in the Little Karoo, South Africa and Odibo, Namibia, as well as in various communities in Zambia, and on numerous RDP capacity-building training initiatives in the Northern Cape Province. South Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen Wetmore & Francois Theron, 1998. "Community development and research: Participatory learning and action -a development strategy in itself," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(1), pages 29-54.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:deveza:v:15:y:1998:i:1:p:29-54
    DOI: 10.1080/03768359808439994
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John Thompson & Ian Scoones, 1994. "Challenging the populist perspective: Rural people's knowledge, agricultural research, and extension practice," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 11(2), pages 58-76, March.
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    1. Shane Cronin & Mike Petterson & Paul Taylor & Randall Biliki, 2004. "Maximising Multi-Stakeholder Participation in Government and Community Volcanic Hazard Management Programs; A Case Study from Savo, Solomon Islands," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 33(1), pages 105-136, September.
    2. Dovie, Delali B. K., 2003. "Whose involvement?--can hierarchical valuation scheme intercede for participatory methods for evaluating secondary forest resource use?," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 5(3), pages 265-283, September.

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