ABSTRACT
The concept of participation became prominent in the development literature as new nations gained experience in forming governments and establishing institutions. Citizens can participate as advisors on boards or committees, policy makers on neighborhood councils that influence municipal policy, and residents in local community organizations that develop plans and activities through joining social movements. The idea of citizen participation is appealing, but several factors need to be considered in planning and facilitating the process. Wandersman and Florin identified the potentials of citizen participation at various levels. The concepts of participation and empowerment are intimately linked, and it is not easy to approach them with complete disregard for any or the other. Empowerment has a number of outcomes that could be conducive to development management. Empowerment is desirable, but a number of issues must be dealt with, and numerous constraints must be overcome to achieve it.
