ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part aims to define the conceptual framework in which participative planning and management. It argues that development objectives have been hampered by serious failures in the implementation process. Assistance agencies often fail to provide effective services, and clients often fail to sustain "delivered" development activity. The part shows that considerable promise for more effective, sustainable development activity exists in engaging intended beneficiaries in project planning and in their continued active participation throughout the implementation stages. Client communities that have shared in planning and implementing development projects maintain and extend development activity more effectively than those that have not. Client-centered development strategies require new administrative response capabilities, unlike the normal bureaucratic, control-oriented procedures of most existing central governments.
