The debate on the need to adopt a participatory approach in planning and implementing development projects and programmes has increased significantly. This paper explores the role of participation in project planning and implementation in the field of development. This study critically analyses the role of a participatory approach in project planning and implementation in practice through a review of literature. There are contentious viewpoints on the significance of the participatory approach in development practise and claim that it lacks evidence of community empowerment. However, this study espouses that the optimum advantage of adopting a participatory approach in the planning and implementation of projects in practice essentially depends on how participation is conducted.

The debate on the need to adopt a participatory approach in planning and implementing development projects and programmes has increased significantly. This paper explores the role of participation in project planning and implementation in the field of development. This study critically analyses the role of a participatory approach in project planning and implementation in practice through a review of literature. There are contentious viewpoints on the significance of the participatory approach in development practise and claim that it lacks evidence of community empowerment. However, this study espouses that the optimum advantage of adopting a participatory approach in the planning and implementation of projects in practice essentially depends on how participation is conducted.