ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to define empowerment, identify elements that have, individually or in synergy, empowered people in successful initiatives. Based on an analysis of these elements, it provides a conceptual framework for empowerment. Acquisition of assets and capabilities is necessary to increase wellbeing, security and self-confidence so that the poor can negotiate with those more powerful. Several lessons emerge from the working of these intermediate civil society organisations in the context of institutional reform and empowerment. Most successful initiatives for empowering the poor have four elements of empowerment. They are access to information; inclusion and participation; accountability; and local organisational capacity. The empowering strategy should be such that these three accountability mechanisms are present and work in tandem to empower the poor. By mitigating the adverse effects of recurring droughts, it would lessen the vulnerability of poor households, reduce and mitigate risks, and neutralise the impact of shocks.
