{"id":22996,"key":"Appropriate_development","title":"Appropriate development","latest":{"id":1208023,"timestamp":"2025-11-27T23:21:48Z"},"content_model":"wikitext","license":{"url":"https://www.appropedia.org/Appropedia:Copyrights","title":"CC-BY-SA-4.0"},"source":"'''Appropriate development''' is a broadening of the concept of '''[[Appropriate technology]]''' - [[appropriateness]] to the context ([[culture]], [[economics]], and [[environment]]), of all manner of development.\n\nThis includes [[international development]], the [[sustainable development]] of wealthier communities, and everything in between.\n\nCrucial ingredients of appropriate development include empowerment, [[community participation]], and an emphasis on the [[freedom]] of the intended beneficiaries.\n\n== Dangers to development ==\n\nAvoiding [[Glossary of sustainability terms#C|coercion]] and opportunities for corruption are essential, as these can severely cripple an aid or development program, sometimes even having an overall negative impact.\n\n== Context ==\n\nSensitivity to [[Culture and development|culture]] and [[Gender and development|gender]], and appreciation of local knowledge, are essential to appropriately designed and targeted programs.\n\nImmerse yourself in the context - live in it and study it. Look for how [[incentives]] work, why people do what they do, and don't do something else.\n\nFor example, people may be willing to make investments to build and maintain their own [[water]], [[sanitation]] and [[hygiene]] systems if they feel they will benefit from them, but if they do not have [[property rights]] (e.g. they are squatters or slum dwellers, without recognition for their status) then they will likely be unwilling to invest money and time.\n\n== Eyes on the goal: development ==\n\nDevelopment projects must be seen as part of a longer process - i.e. development as the goal, rather than a specific project. for that reason, admitting failure and learning from it is essential. An appropriately humble attitude, recognizing that learning is a long process and that mistakes are part of that process, enables development workers avoid the problem of [[good intentions, disastrous outcomes]]. In particular, voluntourism is susceptible to naive expectations and approaches, and should be handled with care.\n\n== Money and technology traps ==\n\nBeware of thinking that more money or better technology is enough.\n\nRecognize that [[subsidies and grants]] can sometimes enable a project, but are very likely to negative side-effects - plan carefully, and weigh up ways to achieve outcomes apart from giving or spending money.\n\nRecognize the importance of individuals in the process. A program is only as good as the people running it - for this reason, fund people, not concepts.\n \nA [[technological solution]] may or may not be effective in achieving the intended aims - it needs to truly be [[appropriate technology]], appropriate to the needs of the [[context]].\n\n== See also ==\n\n* [[Barefoot professional]]\n\n{{Page data\n| license = CC-BY-SA-3.0\n| description = Appropriate development focuses on what works locally. Appropedia explores how to build programs that communities can lead.\n}}\n\n[[Category:Appropriate technology]]\n[[Category:International development]]\n[[Category:Principles of development]]"}