ABSTRACT
This chapter presents project examples from six World Bank evaluations over a 23-year period, demonstrating how participation in resettlement has many benefits – both for resettlers and for resettlement implementation agencies. Conversely, numerous projects with poor quality or ineffective participation have had many costs, to both resettlers and agencies. Overall, participation has contributed to better outcomes: a 2014 portfolio review found that ratings on participation were highly correlated with ratings for overall resettlement outcomes. Where consultations were done well, there is evidence that they result in changes in project design and implementation: consultations helped determine road alignments, relocation sites, and choice of replacement land. Consultations were also very useful when there was reluctance to relocate. Multiple reviews found that involving resettlers in project preparation, and project designs that built in mechanisms for sustained local participation, were more effective than traditional, top-down plans. Documenting consultation processes is also important. The governance context, project context, and other factors tend to influence the extent of participation more than institutional policy per se. Given the significant advantages gained through consultation and participation (especially when done well), it is surprising that consultation and participation are not already standard.
