Benefits of Participatory Approach

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATORY APPROACH

by Antonio C. Antonio

January 29, 2015

The participatory approach in upland governance and management provides the opportunity for people to be involved in deciding how something is done.  This approach means that stakeholders not only provide the necessary labor and materials accepts responsibility for the land, but also involve themselves in the decision-making process, actual implementation and monitoring of vital activities.  In doing so, stakeholders, especially the upland dwellers, are able to formulate their own strategies for the protection, conservation and sustainable utilization of forest and upland products and resources.

As a result of stakeholder’s participation, the net benefits are the following:

EFFECTIVENESS (meaning: the degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result) is the result when participatory management and strategies allow people to (a) have a voice in the determination of objectives, and (b) supporting project administration and making their local knowledge (often referred to as indigenous knowledge or knowledge system), skill and resources available which results to more effective upland projects and undertakings.

EFFICIENCY (meaning: an action designed to achieve the state or quality of being efficient) because the stakeholders are given the latitude to efficiently utilize any and all resources available for the project to include human and material resources, traditional production techniques and indigenous knowledge.

EMPOWERMENT (meaning: to give official authority or legal power), commonly referred to as intangible, often becomes the catalyst for a higher degree of commitment from the stakeholders.  Empowerment increases the stakeholder’s sense of control and responsibility over matters and issues that affect their lives.  This more often translates to providing the right atmosphere for stakeholders to learn how to plan, implement and involve themselves in the other management dynamics of the project.  Self-governance and democratic space are the underlying sense and conditions embodied in our Constitution.

EQUITY (meaning: the quality of being fair and impartial) is the end result of the participatory approach and strategy.  Equity ensures an equitable sharing of the benefits.  Most upland projects that are not too successful failed to consider this very important aspect of upland governance and management.  Long term sustainable goals should not be sacrificed for short term individual gains.

These are the benefits of the participatory approach.

Just my little thoughts…

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