ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The ‘negotiated approach’ was developed when nine organizations in 2001 brought together their experiences from Asia, Africa and Latin America of working to link the knowledge and experience of local actors with that of water management experts and decision-makers at local, regional and national levels. Based on the premise that true negotiation processes lead to the capacity enhancement of all stakeholders, the key requirement of the negotiated approach is the empowerment of local actors to be able to present and discuss their own needs and strategies for sustainable development. A case study examination of the Khulna-Jessore Drainage Rehabilitation Project in Bangladesh demonstrates the process and effectiveness of this method, reveals the need for strong people’s institutions, with appropriate mandates and adequate financial backing, and indicates elements that can be strengthened through Knowledge Capacity Development.
