ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at practice dimensions and dynamics of community development as critical aspects for the practitioner. Although community development practice has many dimensions and involves many complex and challenging dynamics, depending upon one’s perceptions and experiences, the available data and the author’s analysis suggest that there are four core practice dimensions, which are very common in any community development endeavor. These are the application of the values/principles of community development; entry into the community (if an outsider) or beginning community development work (if an insider) and acceptance by the community; awareness-raising and capacity-building that include political development in terms of developing leadership, building the institution, developing community-based or people’s organizations, and strengthening existing local institutions; and sustainability of community development programs/projects or activities in terms of continuity and self-governance/management. Dynamics involved in achieving each of the practice dimensions can then be analysed.
