THE PARTICIPATORY APPROACH AND ITS ROLE IN THE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF MUNICIPALITIES (ANALYTICAL STUDY OF SUCCESSFUL MODELS)
Main Article Content
Abstract
The participatory approach is a social communication process that empowers residents to initiate and make decisions regarding the identification and implementation of developmental activities and programmes concerning their future. This approach is linked to local development, and is most effective at enhancing citizen participation in public affairs at the local level. This raises questions about how local citizens can be involved and what mechanisms and methods can be used to apply it, given the failures of traditional democracy and parliamentary representation in a humanitarian context. The approach calls for participatory democracy to be activated in order to overcome the crises faced by regions at the local level. In this research paper, we analyse the concept of the participatory approach and its related concepts, foundations and steps. We also present the experiences of countries that have successfully improved the lives of their citizens in regions where the approach has been implemented.
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References
Al-Nadwi, Mohsen, Participatory Democracy: Concept - Origin - Mechanisms*, Tetouan, Morocco: Gulf Arab Press, 2018.
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Al-Najjar, Baqer, “Empowerment and Sustainable Development: In Dialogue with the Concept,”Arab Journal of Sociology, Vol. 14, No. 27, January 2021.
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Theses:
Doctoral dissertations:
Hanaach, Yamina, ‘The Challenge of Institutionalising Participatory Democracy in Local Communities in Algeria’, Doctoral Thesis (Constantine 3 University: Faculty of Political Science, Department of Political Organisation, 2019/2020.
Ahmed Makhlety, ‘The Role of Participatory Planning in Improving Urban Development: A Case Study of Bousaada City’, Doctor of Science in Architectural Engineering (Mohamed Kheider University of Biskra: Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Architectural Engineering), 2023.
Master’s Theses
Zayneb Al-Asqari, ‘Democracy in the Arab World: Reality and Prospects’, Master’s thesis in philosophy (Oran University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Philosophy), 2009/10.
Websites:
Ali Othman Ahmed, ‘Participatory Planning as an Entry Point for Improving Social Services in Underprivileged Villages’, Social Work Journal, available at: https://egjsw.journals.ekb.eg/article_173454_7f75ef07f25ff5db0e5fe2b1010f8425.pdf, accessed 7/02/2025. 07/02/2025.
Second: Foreign References
Books:
Pieter Bots and others, Participatory Approaches, United Kingdom: Bruce Edmonds and Ruth Meyer.