Innovative case studies on participatory instruments

This third annual publication in the Series "Thinking Out Loud", is an attempt to increase the knowledge of regional staff, by exchanging experiences among themselves on the issue of engaging civil society award World Bank products. In terms of reasons for engaging civil society organizations, the case studies included herein, suggest that such an approach can make projects more relevant to local contexts, and ultimately more sustainable; provide increased transparency and accountability around projects; ensure that new technologies are accessible to those who live in remote areas, and/or lack access; produce a multiplier effect among communities; integrate sectoral projects into a more holistic approach to community development; provide links between local producers, and national and global markets, and, promote confidence, skills, and unity among otherwise disparate development actors. Each case study presents unique findings, and reinforces the rationale for pursuing civic engagement to Bank products. Case studies suggest that timely and detailed preparation of participatory processes is essential; clarifying "rules of the game" for engagement at the outset of participatory process, avoids creating false expectations, consultation fatigue and frustration; processes should be results oriented if they are to maintain the interest of participants; linkages between levels of actors, or actors in different sectors can also enhance project outcomes; and, understanding local and national contexts, building on existing initiatives, and seizing opportunities in a timely fashion also seems to be helpful in promoting civic engagement around Bank products. The observations on decentralization are more mixed, for it must be accompanied by an in-depth knowledge of local institutional dynamics, an assessment of local capacities, and ultimately, by efforts to address local institutional strengths, and weaknesses as well as interventions to build capacity for both government and non-government counterparts.