Participation Level |
Characteristics |
1. Passive |
People are told what is going to happen or participate by answering questions only. |
2. Consultative |
People express their views, which may be taken into account, but have no share in decision-making. |
3. For material incentives |
People participate in activities in order to receive food, cash or other incentive. Still no decision-making, and participation often ends when incentives end. |
4. Functional |
People form groups and carry out activities to meet objectives of the project but no involvement in choosing objectives and minimal involvement in choosing activities. Some groups may in time become stronger and more self-reliant. |
5. Interactive |
People participate in joint analysis and planning, joint decision-making, with project staff. |
6. Self-mobilization |
People take initiatives independent of project staff. They develop contacts with external institutions to access technical expertise and funding, but retain control over decision-making. |
26 Extracted and modified from: IIED Trainer’s Guide: Ch.4: Principles of Participatory Learning and Action.
