ABSTRACT
The first important feature of homegrown development (HGD), is that such a model recognizes and takes into serious consideration local imperatives. By local imperatives people mean, economic advantages, demography, historical and other cultural realities that could stimulate or obstruct development. Defenders of mainstream economic planning are, however, always quick to point out that social development requires economic growth which can only come from tight fiscal policies and monetary discipline. African countries are prime examples of where development intervention by the donor community has been focused on achieving macroeconomic stability while less attention is paid to social and human development. Based on extensive literature survey and practical observation, they identified four features which are not only essential features but appear germane for achieving self-reliant sustainable development. These include: economic diversification and sensitivity to local imperatives; broad stakeholder consultation and participation; building local capacity and institutions; and attention to broad-based social and human development rather than narrow focus on GDP.
