Institute of Development Studies

Participation and Development Relations

The three year Participation and Development Relations (PDR) Programme is currently in a 12 month transition phase during which time the team, in collaboration with its networks and partners as well as current/future donors, is developing a new five year programme of research, capacity development and communications for greater social justice, realising rights and supporting the empowerment of those living in poverty.

The team has been re-framing its vision that builds on a unique track record of supporting and developing participatory approaches that respond to local context and bridge operational practice with academic research and policy change. As part of this vision and developing this new programme of work, the team are concentrating on the following areas during the transition phase:

1. Exploring and identifying approaches for a collaborative network of researchers, communicators and practitioners (including donors) to develop concepts, methods and strategies for strengthening capacity relating to power, participation and social change in the current international development environment.
2. Establishing a global, collaborative initiative called the Participation Alliance with the aim of identifying, documenting and sharing innovations in participatory methods and practice.
3. Working in-country with our partners to develop local networks of reflective development practitioners which includes the active involvement of Sida and/or SDC staff.

• IDS key contact: Jethro Pettit
• Project dates: October 2009 - September 2010
• Project status: Closed
• Funder: Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA); Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

Researchers

• Jethro Pettit
• Robert Chambers
• John Gaventa
• Andrea Cornwall
• Mariz Tadros
• Naomi Hossain
• Rosemary McGee

Selected Outputs

• Hossain, N. (2009) 'Rude Accountability in the Unreformed State: Informal Pressures on Frontline Bureaucrats in Bangladesh', IDS Working Paper 319, Brighton: IDS
• Chambers, R (2008) Revolutions in Development Inquiry, London: Earthscan
• Brock, K. and Pettit, J.G. (2008) Springs of Participation: Creating and Evolving Methodologies, London: ITDG
• Guijt, I. (2007) 'Assessing and Learning for Social Change: A Discussion Paper' , IDS
• Cornwall, A., Jassey, K., Arora-Jonsson, S. and Scott-Villiers, P. (2007) The Beast of Bureaucracy and Other Tales from Valhalla, Brighton: IDS
• Cornwall, A and Molyneux, M (2007) 'The Politics of Rights: Dilemmas for Feminist Praxis'
• Eyben, R., Harris, C. and Pettit, J. (2006) 'Exploring Power for Change', IDS Bulletin 37.6, Brighton: IDS
• Eyben, R. and Moncrieffe, J. (2006) 'The Power of Labelling in Development Practice', IDS Policy Briefing 28, Brighton: IDS