Resources

This book attempts to relate the theory and practice of participation to the greatly changed global and national contexts of the 1990s.

This article shares the author's experiences in promoting gender equality in the æSupport to Generation and Transfer of Agricultural Technology ProjectÆ (PRODETEC) in Nicaragua. They represent important lessons for gender sensitive participatory diagnosis and are applicable to other organisations. The article presents the background to the project, and its two main approaches: farming systems and gender. Rapid gender analysis was carried out at the start of the project and this explored the broad differences between male and female production systems. This is followed by a participatory diagnosis during the planning process phase. The article stresses the need for gender equality in the project, especially in participation in decision making. It offers practical tips on when and how participation may happen. It also offers a clue to increasing female participation as discussion by separate men and womensÆ groups. In conclusion, the article advises that a high or low profile gender approach should be adopted according to what is appropriate and sensitive to the context.

This book reviews contemporary campaigns for community participation and empowerment with examples from all over the world. It critically assesses developments in the 'mixed economy of welfare' in terms of their relevance for self-help and community participation. It also considers the concept of empowerment and its relation to public policy and development within social movements.

This article gives an overview of housing and environmental problems in the metropolitan area of Mexico City. It describes the history of attempts to encourage participation in two particular cases, and discusses the basic elements of the methodology used to conduct these processes.