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MODULE 4 FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS AND FRAMEWORKS OF CD

A. BASIS OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Community development is founded on principles and practices aimed at enhancing the

quality of life in communities by empowering individuals and groups, fostering social
cohesion, and addressing local needs and challenges. Central to this process is the active
participation and empowerment of community members, ensuring their needs and interests
are represented in decision-making processes and equipping them with the skills,
knowledge, and confidence to take control of their development. Building social capital
through networks and relationships within the community is essential for fostering trust,
cooperation, and mutual support. Sustainable development is promoted by balancing
economic, social, and environmental considerations, ensuring that current development
efforts do not compromise the needs of future generations.

Community development also involves conducting thorough needs assessments to identify

challenges while utilizing existing community assets and resources to address those needs
and build on strengths. Capacity building through education and training enhances the skills
and capabilities of community members while strengthening local institutions and
governance structures to support ongoing development. Inclusivity and equity are prioritized
to ensure all community members, including marginalized and vulnerable groups, have
access to opportunities and resources, promoting social justice and reducing inequalities.

Partnerships and collaboration with local, regional, and national organizations, government
agencies, and private sector entities are crucial for leveraging resources and expertise. A
holistic approach addresses the interconnected aspects of community life, such as health,
education, housing, employment, and infrastructure, recognizing the complex interplay
between social, economic, and environmental factors. Developing and supporting local
leaders who can champion community development initiatives is vital for ensuring
responsive, accountable, and representative leadership. Continuous evaluation and
adaptation of community development initiatives based on feedback and changing
circumstances ensure their effectiveness and sustainability. By adhering to these principles,
community development aims to create vibrant, resilient, and sustainable communities
where individuals and groups can thrive.

a. Needs-Based Community Development

Needs-based community development focuses on identifying and addressing the
specific needs and challenges of a community to enhance its overall well-being. This
approach begins with a thorough assessment of the community's needs, which
involves gathering data and feedback from community members to understand their
concerns, priorities, and aspirations. The goal is to tailor development initiatives to
meet these identified needs, ensuring that resources are directed where they are
most required.
Key components of needs-based community development include:

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1. Comprehensive Needs Assessment:

a. Conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather detailed
information about the community's needs.
b. Analyzing demographic, economic, and social data to identify areas
requiring intervention.

2. Community Participation:
a. Actively involving community members in the assessment process to
ensure their voices are heard and their needs are accurately
represented.
b. Encouraging community engagement in planning and decision-
making to foster a sense of ownership and commitment to
development initiatives.

3. Resource Allocation:
a. Directing resources, both financial and human, to areas identified as
high need.
b. Prioritizing projects and programs that address the most pressing
challenges faced by the community.

4. Targeted Interventions:
a. Designing and implementing specific programs and services that
directly address the identified needs.
b. Collaborating with local organizations, government agencies, and
other stakeholders to provide comprehensive support.

5. Capacity Building:
a. Enhancing the skills and capabilities of community members to
address their own needs effectively.
b. Providing training and education to empower individuals and groups
to take active roles in the development process.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation:

a. Continuously assessing the impact of development initiatives to
ensure they are meeting the identified needs.
b. Adjusting strategies and programs based on feedback and changing
circumstances to improve outcomes.

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7. Sustainability and Long-term Planning:
a. Developing sustainable solutions that can be maintained by the
community over time.
b. Creating long-term plans that address both immediate needs and
future challenges to ensure ongoing development and improvement.

By focusing on the specific needs of a community, needs-based community

development aims to create tailored solutions that effectively address local
challenges and improve the quality of life for all community members. This approach
ensures that development efforts are relevant, impactful, and sustainable, fostering
a more resilient and empowered community.

Processes involved in Needs-Based Community Development

The key processes involved in Needs-Based Community Development (NBCD) are:

1. Identifying Community Needs

The first step is to conduct a thorough needs assessment to identify the gaps
between the current situation and the desired state in the community. This
involves:

- Collecting data on issues like poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, etc.

to understand what is wrong in the community[5]
- Listening to community members to understand their perceived
needs and problems[3]
- Analyzing the root causes of community issues and problems[3]

2. Prioritizing Needs
Once the needs are identified, the next step is to prioritize them based on
factors like urgency, impact, and available resources. This allows the
community to focus on the most pressing issues first.

3. Developing Solutions
Solutions are then developed to address the prioritized needs. This often
involves:

- Bringing in resources and services from outside institutions to fix the

problems [5]
- Designing programs and initiatives to provide services to community
members [3]
- Implementing the solutions with the help of professional staff and
institutions [5]

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4. Delivering Services
The developed solutions are then delivered to the community members who
are seen as clients or beneficiaries of the services. The focus is on providing
more resources and services to the community.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

The impact of the solutions is monitored and evaluated to assess their
effectiveness in addressing the identified needs. This helps in adjusting and
improvements to the initiatives.

In summary, NBCD is a problem-focused approach that identifies community

deficiencies, brings in external resources to fix them, and delivers services to
community members. The community is seen as needy, and the solutions come from
outside institutions.

Citations:
[1] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315866459_From_Needs-
Based_to_Asset-
Based_Community_Development_The_ABCD_Method_as_an_Effective_Strategy_fo
r_Engaging_with_Grassroots_Leaders_in_South_Africa
[2] https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Needs-Based-Compared-to-Asset-Based-
Community-Development_tbl1_228475609
[3]
https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/communitydevelopmentpractice/chapter
/community-needs-assessment-process-and-tools/
[4]
https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/communitydevelopmentpractice/chapter
/27/
[5] https://resources.depaul.edu/abcd-
institute/publications/Documents/Workbooks/ABCD%20101%20-
%20Chapter%20-%20CD%20Reader.pdf

b. Asset-Based Community Development

Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) is a strategy for sustainable
community-driven development that emphasizes the strengths and potentials of a
community rather than its deficiencies and problems. This approach focuses on
identifying and mobilizing existing assets, resources, and capacities within the
community to drive development initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership,
empowerment, and resilience among community members.

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Key components of Asset-Based Community Development include:

1. Asset Mapping:
a. Identifying and cataloging the assets within the community, including
individuals' skills and talents, local organizations, institutions,
physical resources, and cultural heritage.
b. Creating a comprehensive inventory of these assets to understand
the community's strengths and potential resources.

2. Community Participation and Engagement:

a. Actively involving community members in the asset-mapping process
to ensure a thorough and inclusive understanding of available
resources.
b. Encouraging participation in the planning and implementation of
development initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and
collective responsibility.

3. Building on Existing Strengths:

a. Leveraging the identified assets to address community needs and
challenges, rather than focusing solely on deficits and problems.
b. Recognizing and celebrating the community's successes and
capabilities to build confidence and motivation.

4. Strengthening Social Capital:

a. Enhancing relationships and networks within the community to foster
trust, cooperation, and mutual support.
b. Encouraging the formation of community groups, partnerships, and
collaborative efforts to maximize the use of local assets.

5. Local Leadership and Empowerment:

a. Developing and supporting local leaders who can champion
community initiatives and mobilize resources.
b. Empowering individuals and groups to take active roles in the
development process, building their capacity to drive and sustain
change.

6. Sustainable Development:
a. Focusing on sustainable and long-term solutions that can be
maintained and nurtured by the community.
b. Ensuring that development efforts enhance the community's
resilience and ability to adapt to future challenges.

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7. Innovative Solutions:
a. Encouraging creativity and innovation by exploring new ways to use
existing assets.
b. Supporting entrepreneurial initiatives and local businesses that can
contribute to economic development and job creation.

8. Continuous Learning and Adaptation:

a. Promoting a culture of learning and continuous improvement by
regularly evaluating the impact of development initiatives.
b. Adapting strategies and approaches based on feedback and
changing circumstances to ensure ongoing relevance and
effectiveness.

By focusing on what a community has rather than what it lacks, Asset-Based

Community Development aims to create a positive and empowering environment
where individuals and groups can work together to achieve sustainable growth and
improvement. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also builds
the community's capacity to tackle future challenges, fostering a more resilient and
thriving community.

Processes involved in Asset-Based Community Development

Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) involves several key processes to

identify and mobilize community assets for sustainable development:

1. Identifying Community Assets

The first step is to map out the various assets within the community, which
can be categorized into:

- Individuals: Identifying the skills, talents and gifts of community

members [1][2][3]
- Associations: Mapping local associations, informal groups, and
community organizations [1][2][3]
- Institutions: Identifying local institutions like schools, businesses,
government agencies, etc. [1][2][3]
- Physical Assets: Mapping the physical spaces, buildings, and
infrastructure in the community [2][3]
- Connections: Identifying the connections and relationships between
individuals, associations and institutions [2][3]

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This asset mapping process helps shift the focus from community needs to
community strengths and potentials [1][2][4].
2. Mobilizing Community Assets
The next step is to mobilize these assets by connecting them in new ways to
address community issues and opportunities [1][2]. This involves:

- Connecting individuals with similar interests and skills [1]

- Linking associations and institutions to community members [1][2]
- Encouraging collaboration and collective action around shared goals
[1][2]
- Celebrating successes and sharing stories to build momentum [3]

The key is to start with what is already present in the community and build on
existing strengths [1][2][4].

3. Leveraging External Resources

Once local assets are fully utilized, the community can then look to leverage
external resources and support from outside the community to further their
development goals [1][2]. However, the community remains in the driver's
seat, using external resources to support its own self-determined agenda
[1][2].

In summary, ABCD is a strengths-based, citizen-led approach that identifies and

mobilizes existing community assets to drive sustainable development from within
[1][2][3][4]. By focusing on community capacities rather than deficiencies, ABCD
empowers communities to create change using what they already have.

Citations:
[1] https://participedia.net/method/161
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asset-based_community_development
[3] https://www.nurturedevelopment.org/asset-based-community-development/
[4] https://resources.depaul.edu/abcd-
institute/publications/Documents/Workbooks/ABCD%20101%20-
%20Chapter%20-%20CD%20Reader.pdf
[5]
https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/communitydevelopmentpractice/chapter
/asset-based-community-development/

B. SOME FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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1. Popular participation is a key principle in community development that emphasizes
the active involvement and engagement of community members in the development
process. Here are some key aspects of popular participation:

i. Empowerment and Self-Determination

Popular participation aims to empower communities to take control of their
development agenda and make decisions that impact their lives [1][3]. It shifts the focus
from top-down, externally driven development to bottom-up, community-led
development.

ii. Collective Action

Popular participation involves collective action by various population groups and interest
groups to address shared concerns [2]. It brings together diverse stakeholders to
collaborate and pool resources for community betterment.

iii. Capacity Building

Popular participation involves building the capacity of community members to actively
participate in development through training, awareness raising, and providing
opportunities for engagement [3]. It helps develop a sense of ownership and
commitment to development initiatives.

iv. Sustainability
Popular participation is seen as key to sustainable development as it taps into local
knowledge, resources and initiatives [1][3]. Community-driven development is more
likely to be responsive to local needs and continue beyond the life of external projects.

v. Challenges
However, popular participation also faces challenges such as lack of resources,
confusion about its purpose, and resistance from officials who may see it as a threat to
their power [1]. Meaningful participation requires overcoming these barriers and creating
an enabling environment for communities to take the lead.

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Source: Dooris & Heritage (2013), adapted from Davidson (1998).

In summary, popular participation is a core principle of community development that
empowers communities to drive their development agenda through collective action and
capacity building. While challenging, it is considered essential for sustainable,
equitable, and responsive development.

Citations:
[1]
https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?doi=fcfa5044cb9a1bf34fc969aa0af148c381f9
968f&repid=rep1&type=pdf
[2] https://www.jstor.org/stable/44255577
[3] https://www.thaiscience.info/journals/Article/TQR/10475119.pdf
[4] https://academic.oup.com/cdj/article-pdf/8/2/77/1119854/8-2-77.pdf
[5] https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/cmruresearch/article/view/260467

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2. Felt needs is a key concept in community development that emphasizes identifying
and addressing the perceived needs and desires of community members. Here are the
key aspects of felt needs:

i. Definition
Felt needs refer to the changes deemed necessary by people to correct
deficiencies they perceive in their community. They represent the emotional
desire for improvement that motivates community members to take action [1][2].

ii. Role in Community Development

The use of felt needs in community development involves:
⮚ Identifying needs: Listening to community members to understand their
perceived problems and gaps [2][3]
⮚ Prioritizing needs: Ranking the importance of different needs based on
urgency and impact [3][4]
⮚ Building programs: Designing initiatives to address the most pressing
prioritized needs [2][3]

Felt needs provide the intrinsic motivation that drives community

participation and ownership of development efforts [2]. Projects based on felt
needs are more likely to be supported and sustained by the community.

iii. Limitations
However, relying solely on felt needs has limitations. Community members may
not always be aware of all their needs or the root causes of problems. Felt
needs should be complemented with external analysis and expertise to ensure
comprehensive and sustainable solutions [4].

In summary, CD Workers must have to educate the community in discovering “real”

needs – those that are strategic to development. The needs of one community may
be contrary to the interest to the interest of the larger community. Desirable policy
for bringing about change in rural communities should give the highest priority to
those local needs whose realization leads to increased national benefits, thereby
creating an awareness of the interrelationships between local and national needs.
Felt needs are a powerful starting point for community development but should be
combined with other participatory approaches to create lasting change. The key is to
center the voice and priorities of community members while also bringing in external
resources and knowledge.

Citations:

[1] https://www.agoodcommunity.org/felt-needs-community-development-
theory.html
[2] https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/234633941.pdf

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[3]
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233270559_Felt_Needs_and_Anticipato
ry_Needs_Reformulation_of_a_Basic_Community_Development_Principle
[4] https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ390194
[5] https://eprints.federalpolyilaro.edu.ng/1616/1/olabode%205.pdf

3. Self-help is a fundamental concept in community development that emphasizes the

ability of individuals and communities to take charge of their own development
processes. It is based on the belief that communities possess the inherent capacity and
resources to improve their own conditions when they are empowered and given the
necessary tools and support. This concept fosters a sense of ownership, responsibility,
and agency among community members, leading to sustainable and meaningful
development.

⮚ The principle of Self-help suggests that local initiative should not be supplanted
by external stimuli, which thus engender dependence.
⮚ CD process is practically founded on self-help. It is used as a CD approach
towards bringing about increased participation of local communities in
developmental activities.
⮚ It can provide a chance wherein local resources are
tapped to solve immediate problems

4. Institution building is a critical component of community development that involves the

creation, strengthening, and sustaining of organizations, systems, and structures within
a community. It focuses on enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of local institutions
to support sustainable development, improve service delivery, and foster social
cohesion. Strong institutions are essential for ensuring that development initiatives are
well-coordinated, efficient, and capable of responding to the needs and aspirations of
the community.

It is the process of strengthening the institutional structure of a society to facilitate its

process of growth. It involves not only the promotion of organizations through which the
population may effectively participate in development.

It further includes improvement in the coordination of all services, groups, and bodies to
bring about maximum development help to communities.

⮚ CD cannot be considered to have succeeded or met its objectives unless it has

helped build up the institutions necessary to permit the community to engage in
developmental activities.

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⮚ The process of institution-building needs to be intensified
and the base of participation in them should be broadened, since these
institutions are regarded as among the
most promising vehicles for introducing change and innovation.

Institution building aims to create a robust institutional framework that can support and
sustain community development efforts over the long term. By enhancing the capacity
and effectiveness of local institutions, communities are better equipped to address their
needs, manage resources, and drive their own development. Strong institutions are
pivotal in ensuring that development initiatives are not only successful but also inclusive,
equitable, and resilient.

C. FRAMEWORK FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Community development is the process of improving the social, economic, and
environmental conditions of a community through collective action and participation. But
how can non-profit organizations design and implement effective community development
programs that address the needs and aspirations of the people they serve. In this article,
you will learn about some of the most widely used frameworks for community
development, their strengths and limitations, and how to apply them in your context.

1 Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD)

Asset-based community development (ABCD) is a framework that focuses on
identifying and mobilizing the existing strengths, resources, and capacities of a
community, rather than its problems and deficiencies. ABCD assumes that every
community has assets that can be used to create positive change, such as skills,
talents, networks, associations, institutions, physical assets, and natural resources.
By building on these assets, ABCD aims to empower communities to become more
self-reliant, resilient, and sustainable. ABCD also encourages collaboration and
partnership among different stakeholders, such as residents, organizations,
businesses, and local authorities, to leverage their collective assets and achieve
common goals.

2 Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)

Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) is a framework that involves the active
participation of local people in the assessment, planning, monitoring, and evaluation
of community development projects. PRA uses a variety of tools and techniques,
such as mapping, ranking, scoring, diagramming, storytelling, and role-playing, to
elicit and analyze information from the community members themselves. PRA aims
to enhance the local knowledge, skills, and ownership of the community, as well as
to foster mutual learning and respect between the community and the external
facilitators. PRA also seeks to address the power dynamics and inequalities that may

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affect the community development process, by giving a voice and agency to the
marginalized and vulnerable groups.

3 Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA)

The sustainable livelihoods approach (SLA) is a framework that analyzes how people
use their assets and capabilities to make a living in different contexts and under
different shocks and stresses. SLA considers five types of assets that people can
access and combine to pursue their livelihood strategies: human (skills, knowledge,
health), social (relationships, networks, norms), natural (land, water, biodiversity),
physical (infrastructure, tools, equipment), and financial (income, savings, credit).
SLA also examines the policies, institutions, and processes that influence the access
and use of these assets, as well as the outcomes and impacts of the livelihood
strategies on the people and the environment. SLA aims to enhance the livelihood,
security and well-being of the poor and vulnerable people while ensuring the
sustainability and resilience of the natural resource base.

4 Theory of Change (ToC)

Theory of change (ToC) is a framework that articulates the assumptions, logic, and
evidence behind how a community development program intends to achieve its
desired outcomes and impact. ToC involves defining the long-term vision and goal of
the program, identifying the intermediate outcomes and preconditions that are
necessary to achieve the goal, mapping the activities and outputs that will produce
the outcomes, and specifying the indicators and methods that will measure the
progress and results. ToC also involves identifying the risks, challenges, and external
factors that may affect the program implementation and performance. ToC aims to
clarify the purpose and direction of the program, enhance the planning and design
process, improve the monitoring and evaluation system, and communicate the
program's value and impact to the stakeholders.

5 Appreciative Inquiry (AI)

Appreciative inquiry (AI) is a framework that uses a positive and strengths-based
approach to facilitate change and innovation in a community. AI involves four
phases: discovery, dream, design, and destiny. In the discovery phase, the
community members share and appreciate the best practices and successes that
they have experienced or witnessed. In the dream phase, the community members
envision and imagine the ideal future that they want to create. In the design phase,
the community members co-create and plan strategies and actions that will enable
them to realize their dreams. In the destiny phase, the community members
implement and sustain the change and innovation that they have designed. AI aims
to foster a culture of hope, optimism, and collaboration in the community, as well as
to generate positive and transformative outcomes.

Module 4 Fundamental Concepts and Frameworks of CD

CD 111 – Introduction to Community Development
Roel S. Sayson, MSCD | USeP CDM, Mintal, Davao City, Philippines