Participatory Planning and Decision-Making in Community Development
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Article | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-prtdvchange-06
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About the Article
Participatory planning and decision-making are central to inclusive and sustainable community development. By engaging communities in assessing needs, building consensus, and designing action plans, these processes ensure that initiatives reflect local realities and foster ownership, transparency, and accountability. This article outlines the key stages of participatory planning—from community needs assessments and inclusive meetings to consensus-based decision-making and structured implementation. Drawing on global evidence from Tanzania, Haiti, India, Kenya, Brazil, the Philippines, and Honduras, it illustrates how participatory processes enhance legitimacy, build resilience, and democratize governance. The discussion also explores tools such as visual mapping, multi-voting, and consensus workshops that help overcome challenges of literacy, cultural diversity, and conflicting interests. Ultimately, participatory planning and decision-making are presented not merely as technical procedures but as ethical commitments to empower communities as co-creators of development.
Key Topics
- Participatory planning and decision-making
- Community needs assessment
- Consensus building and facilitation
- Inclusive dialogue and visual tools
- Action planning and implementation
- Democratic and sustainable development
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Participatory Planning and Decision-Making in Community Development. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-prtdvchange-06
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