Participation, Empowerment and Sustainability: (How) Do the Links Work?

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between participation, empowerment and sustainability. Using the multisectoral and multicontextual experience of participation amassed in South Africa, both pre-and post-apartheid, we address two questions: does participation lead to empowerment; and does empowerment, in turn, lead to sustainability? Further, what external factors mediate and in uence that relationship? Analysis shows that a relationship does exist and is contingent on a number of contextual factors, crucial to its success. Findings are discussed in terms of the international literature on community participation and local democracy, and policy implications are identi ed. . Carin Smuts is with CS Studio Architects,

Strengthening the ‘social’ in sustainable development: Developing a conceptual framework for social sustainability in a rapid urban growth region in Australia

“…From a social sustainability perspective, soft infrastructure might include both provision of community services that respond to the identified needs of communities, and building the ‘capacity’ of citizens and community groups to work together with governments for a sustainable community. Outcomes from ‘capacity building’ include development of informed and active citizens and civil society, which contribute to strong local governance (Cuthill and Fien, 2005; Eade, 1997; Gaventa, 2001; Lyons et al , 2001). Such responses have the potential to provide broad benefits resulting in a net return on public investment.…”

“…For example, research around building human and social capital in communities identifies positive local governance and economic outcomes, and suggests that these types of ‘capital’ play a foundational role in building sustainable communities (Cuthill, 2003; Cuthill and Fien, 2005; Lowndes and Wilson, 2001; Lyons et al , 2001; Organisation for Economic Co‐Operation and Development, 2000; World Bank, 1999). However, the utility of social concepts such as those listed above, and their role within a sustainable development discourse, is constrained by definitional debates, a shortage of clear operational direction and a lack of agreement/effort relating to monitoring and reporting across the diverse subject areas (Casey, 2005).…”

The Design of Housing and Shelter Programs: The Social and Environmental Determinants of Inequalities

“…For example, the empowerment of slum dwellers must support their associations, even their formation if necessary, and upskill them to increase their influence and control within bureaucratic structures and political systems 55. Scaling up the success stories gained from these “best practice” interventions holds hope for the future.…”

An overview of civil society organizations’ roles in health project sustainability in Bauchi State, Nigeria

“…In this study, health project sustainability as a concept denotes project continuity in terms of quality, availability and accessibility at the end of donor intervention. Sustainability refers to the activities that ensure project capacity maintenance after donor support ends, preventing it from being phased out [ 2 , 3 ]. CSOs as key partners in development cooperation conduct activities that ensure project sustainability, these activities include, but not limited to policy support, strategic planning, service implementation, project evaluation etc [ 4 ].…”