An analysis of citizen participation in anti-poverty programmes

摘要

This article explores citizen participation, describing levels, forms and benefits of participation by local community members. In particular, it analyses citizen involvement in anti-poverty programmes, drawing on primary research in Jamaica, where a social fund forms a major plank of the national government's policy and programme to reduce poverty. Using naturalistic inquiry methods, the research sought evidence of citizen participation in social fund subprojects aimed at improving community infrastructure and social services and strengthening community organizations. This article discusses four types of participation revealed by the research and the implications for community-level approaches to economic improvement and social change.