The contribution of people's participation : evidence from 121 rural water supply projects

The study is based on systematic quantitative and qualitative analysis of 121 rural water supply funded by many different water supply agencies in countries throughout the developing world. The analysis consistently shows that beneficiary participation was more significant than any other factor in achieving functional water systems and in building local capacity. The results of this study have profound implications for the way the World Bank supports its partners in planning and implementing development programs. Among the lessons learned from the study are these : obtaining local participation in decision making about development is sound business practice, and special measures are needed to ensure that the marginalized are reached in the participatory process. Even is participation is assured in planning, agencies must listen and learn as project are implemented. These principles are clear, and their implications reach well beyond rural water supply projects. The challenge is to act on these principles and to place people at the center of development.