Communinty Involvement in Projec Management
DISCUSS THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN PROJECT APPRAISAL
1. Introduction
This essay discusses the importance of community involvement in project appraisal. The issue of community involvement has come under scrutiny and has gained increased importance the world over. Community involvement has been seen as essential in achieving development goals. Participatory approaches have been shown to enhance project quality, ownership, and sustainability; and to empower targeted beneficiaries among other benefits. This paper shall start by defining important terms and then go on to discuss the importance of community involvement in project appraisal before concluding. 2. Definition of terms 3.1 Project Appraisal
Appraisal is the analysis of a proposed project to determine its merit and acceptability in accordance with set criteria. This is the last step before a project is agreed for financing. In addition to undertaking financial analysis with regard to the viability of the project, development projects cannot be considered unless they are economically, institutionally and technically sound.
According to Oakely (1995), project appraisal is the process of assessing and questioning proposals before resources are committed. It is an essential tool for effective action in community renewal. It’s a means by which partnerships can choose the best projects to help them achieve what they want for their community. Experience in projects emphasizes the importance of developing an ‘appraisal culture’ which involves developing the right system for local circumstances and ensuring that everyone involved recognizes the value of project appraisal and has the knowledge and skills necessary to play their part in it. 3.2 Community Involvement or participation
According to FAO (2007), community involvement or participation is “....a process of equitable and active involvement of all stakeholders in the formulation of development policies and
1. Introduction
This essay discusses the importance of community involvement in project appraisal. The issue of community involvement has come under scrutiny and has gained increased importance the world over. Community involvement has been seen as essential in achieving development goals. Participatory approaches have been shown to enhance project quality, ownership, and sustainability; and to empower targeted beneficiaries among other benefits. This paper shall start by defining important terms and then go on to discuss the importance of community involvement in project appraisal before concluding. 2. Definition of terms 3.1 Project Appraisal
Appraisal is the analysis of a proposed project to determine its merit and acceptability in accordance with set criteria. This is the last step before a project is agreed for financing. In addition to undertaking financial analysis with regard to the viability of the project, development projects cannot be considered unless they are economically, institutionally and technically sound.
According to Oakely (1995), project appraisal is the process of assessing and questioning proposals before resources are committed. It is an essential tool for effective action in community renewal. It’s a means by which partnerships can choose the best projects to help them achieve what they want for their community. Experience in projects emphasizes the importance of developing an ‘appraisal culture’ which involves developing the right system for local circumstances and ensuring that everyone involved recognizes the value of project appraisal and has the knowledge and skills necessary to play their part in it. 3.2 Community Involvement or participation
According to FAO (2007), community involvement or participation is “....a process of equitable and active involvement of all stakeholders in the formulation of development policies and
References: Asian Development Bank, Mainstreaming Participatory Development Process, Manila, Phillipines, AsDB. Canadian Institute of Cultural Affairs (1998), The Art and Science of Participation: A Technology of Participation Manual, Toronto, Canadian Institute of Cultural Affairs. Chambers, R. (1992), Rural Appraisal: Rapid, Relaxed, and Participatory, IDS Discussion Paper 331, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, UK. Clayton, A, Oakely, P., Pratt, B. (1997), UNDP Guidebook on Participation, Oxford, INTRAC. Kottak, Conrad P. (1995). ‘Participatory Development: Rhetoric and Reality’, Development Anthropology 13 (1-2): 1, 3-8 Oakely, P et al (1991), Projects with People- the Practice of Participation in Rural Development, Geneva, ILO. Oakely, P. (1995), People’s Participation in Development Projects, London, INTRAC.