Popular participation in economic theory and practice

Abstract

Development professionals have begun to emphasize the importance of allowing beneficiaries of development projects to influence their selection, design and implementation. Research by economists and others suggests that while greater knowledge of the preferences of beneficiaries is important, a number of difficulties may arise in attempting to incorporate greater popular participation in development projects. Some of these pitfalls have been observed in participatory World Bank projects. A knowledge of these potential problems may help project planners develop mechanisms, which are likely to vary on a case-by-case basis, to anticipate and avoid their realization.