ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the implementation participatory development approaches under the Cotonou Agreement, focusing in particular on the involvement of civil society. It focuses the positive dynamics engendered by the adoption of participatory approaches; the avenues for participation that have been used by civil society; key lessons learnt in engaging with civil society; and the main challenges for an effective mainstreaming of civil society participation. The Cotonou Agreement introduces a number of innovative approaches to cooperation all of which aim to improve the overall impact of aid, trade and political cooperation. For the first time, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific-European Union (EU) cooperation legally recognises the essential role that non-state actors can play in the development process. One of the best known jargon words in the EU development cooperation is the concept of the '3 C's'. The '3 C's' would then probably refer to complexity, confusion and chaos.
