Community-led research and participation can interrupt an exclusionary development process, especially when local narratives and expertise reach decision-makers. The results of IAP’s community-led work show that national and municipal governments respond to political and financial pressures from development banks and donor governments by improving consultation and participation or providing it where it did not already exist.
While IAP’s facilitation of community-led research increases engagement at the municipal and national levels, IAP and our partners push development finance institutions and donor governments to ensure compliance with and expand commitments on borrower governments to support community participation and consultation in the development processes they finance.
Since many governments are increasing limitations on freedom of assembly and association, IAP’s innovative approach creates a broader space for communities negatively impacted by development to respond and strengthens their local and international campaigns with access, necessary information, and advice.
