Participatory Learning and Action 49:

This special issue focuses on community-based planning (CBP) - planning by communities, for their communities, which links into the local and national government planning systems. The issue draws on the four country CBP project from South Africa, Uganda, Ghana and Zimbabwe and includes examples from francophone Africa, Asia and Latin America. The country studies seek to draw comparisons between the different approaches, objectives and scales used in CBP projects and highlight the need to look at them as part of an integrated planning process for an area.

There are also more general articles, Tips for Trainers, and our usual In Touch section, which includes book reviews, events, and e-participation.

Editorial

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THEME SECTION:

Decentralisation and community-based planning

1. Overview: decentralisation and participatory planning

Ian Goldman and Joanne Abbot

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Abstract
Introduction to the history of community-based planning methods and the underlying desire to empower communities while using techniques that were linked to local and national government. Methodologies are discussed, with information on probable impacts and issues surrounding the upscaling of projects to improve effectiveness and scope.

EXPERIENCES FROM THE FOUR-COUNTRY CBP PROJECT

2. Linking the community to local government: action research in four African countries

Ian Goldman, James Carnegie and Joanne Abbott

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Abstract

Looking at Community Based Planning (CBP) as a means of promoting community involvement in development projects, and ensuring stronger linkages between community and local government. CBP projects in four African countries (Uganda, Zimbabwe, Ghana and South Africa) are assessed, with the successes and challenges that they presented.

3. Experiences of CBP in South Africa

Sam Chimbuya, Cecile Ambert, Marc Feldman, Teboho Maine, and Tankiso Mea

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Abstract

Step by step guide to implementing Community Based Planning (CBP) in a municipality in South Africa, from initial application to the first results, and the effect on community groups and local government. The authors address what lessons can be learnt from their experience of CBP at municipal level, and how these experiences can help guide a possible nationwide implementation of these methods.

4. Experiences with CBP from Uganda

Tom Blomley, Paul Kasule-Mukasa, Fiona Nunan, and Charles Kiberu

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Abstract
In Uganda, Community Based Planning (CBP) has been used to strengthen participatory planning models that were already being implemented. In this paper the authors examine the initial successes of the CBP in establishing Harmonised Participation Planning Guidelines (HPPG), and the areas where this has improved on the previous models. Suggestions for further improvements are also put forward.

5. Planning with the area council: experience with CBP in Ghana

Ernest Tay Awoosah, John Cofie Agamah, Ansah Sampson Kwarteng, BM Oppong and Francis Owusu

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Abstract

Participatory planning methods are not new to Ghana, but they are rarely used for regional or national scale projects. This paper investigates the establishment of two projects using Community Based Planning (CBP) methods with area councils, and how traditional community chiefs and elders were included into the development process.

6. Empowering Communities through CBP in Zimbabwe: experiences in Gwanda and Chimanimani

Absolom Masendeke, Andrew Mlalazi, Ashella Ndhlovu, and Douglas Gumbo

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Abstract

Bourne by a desire to let local communities be more involved in development projects, and to remove barriers between communities and local government, this article examines the experiences of two districts in Zimbabwe who piloted Community Based Planning (CBP) as a means to achieving these objectives. Impacts and outcomes are documented, along with lessons for the future.

OTHER EXPERIENCES OF CBP IN AFRICA, ASIA, AND LATIN AMERICA

7. Experience of the Programme Nationale de Gestion de Terroirs (PNGT2) in Burkina Faso

Moussa Ouedraogo et Mohamed Drabo

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Abstract

Detailing the Burkinabe government's national programme of participatory land management (Programme Nationale de Gestion de Terriors), this article outlines how the handing of greater responsibilities to local communities, over a period of 15 years, is leading to the development of a decentralised s

system of local government.

8. Challenging and changing the big picture: the roles of participatory research in public policy planning

Charles Ehrhart

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Abstract

Using participatory methods to inform local government of community's key concerns, and enabling communities to have greater influence on policy direction has been met with a great deal of success in Tanzania and Uganda. The authors offer a balance of caution over possible limitations and the potential of future participatory research.

9. Experiences in Panchayat-based planning in the mountains, Himachal Pradesh, India

Rajeev Ahal and Silvio Decurtins

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Abstract

Based within the context of constitutional amendments to help devolve power to regions, this paper examines the way people-based planning processes can improve management and access to natural resources in a rural state in Northern India by including sections of society that would normally be excluded from the decision making process.

10. Some experiences from the Philippines in urban community development planning

Edna Co, Jan Velasco-Fabonan, and Jeremy Philippe Nishimori

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Abstract

In this article the authors investigate the challenges of using participatory planning methods in an urban setting. More often used in rural areas, this paper details the reactions of both the community and local government to the process, and how lessons learnt can be used to improve the techniques if they are to be implemented in other urban areas.

11. The use of participatory three-dimensional modelling in community-based planning in Quang Nam province, Vietnam

James Hardcastle, Giacomo Rambaldi, Barney Long, Le Van Lanh, and Do Quoc Son

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Abstract

Involving communities in the management and policing of open access forest reserves in Vietnam to improve long-term sustainability of conservation projects is the focus of this paper. The authors explain how using participation, and in particular the use of three-dimensional modelling, has proved to be an important and cost-effective tool in enabling communities to learn and understand more about resource management.

12. Municipal rural development plans in Brazil: working within the politics of participation

Glauco Regis Florisbelo and Irene Guijt

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Abstract

This article focuses on the Centre for Alternative Technologies (CTA), a Brazilian NGO, and how they have stepped up their activities from small-scale agriculture based projects to municipality-scale rural development programmes while still using participatory techniques, and keeping the focus centred on pro-poor initiatives .

GENERAL SECTION

13. Domestic abuses against housewives in haor areas of Bangladesh: understanding the impact of Concern's intervention in reducing abuses

Dipankar Datta and Neli Sen Gupta

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Abstract

Concern Worldwide have established a number of rural development projects across the rural haor basin in Northeast Bangladesh. The majority of these projects are based around empowering women, who are often subject to domestic violence and abuse. In this paper the authors compare levels of abuse in villages where Concern have been involved and villages where they have not been active.

14. Extracts from 'Teach Yourself Citizens Juries: A handbook by the DIY Jury Steering Group'

PEALS, Newcastle University

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Abstract

A short overview of a booklet and video that introduce the concept of Citizen Juries, and how they can be set up and run to enable communities to examine and debate key issues that are affecting them. The University of Newcastle's Policy, Ethics and Life Sciences Programme produce both resources.

Tips for Trainers

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Abstract

This Tips for Trainers provides a brief summary of Khanya - Managing Rural Change 'Action Research for Community Based Planning' project manual, which many of the articles in this issue of notes were based on. This summary introduces two key concepts- how to ensure effective representation and how to prepare for and run a community meeting.