As communities around the world are struggling to cope with the changing social, economical and environmental structures, the demand for participation in the planning of policies is raising. Changes in economy, health and agriculture are influencing households, community relations and their livelihoods. Health will be highlighted as major resource for the development of a household and a community.
Through the research of different literature this paper reports prerequisites, strategies, principles and values to improve the well-being of local communities and the sustainability of community based initiatives. Through integrating the multisectoral dimensions of livelihoods, the paper discusses capacity building and empowerment. Therefore participation is the core principle of community development to improve the livelihoods of communities and individuals. Furthermore the paper argues participative practices which are focused on cooperative local economies, healthy convivial communities, educational equity and employment opportunities. Moreover community development provides the framework for the community to leap into modernity in its own rhythm.
Findings indicate that community development and the enhancement of participation promotes the ability for critical reflection of local problems and their capabilities to react on it. The findings also shed some light into social, environmental and economical capital to provide a sustainable setting for a healthy community. Community development is committed to social and environmental justice and its vision is a peaceful, just and sustainable world.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The Problem - poverty and vulnerability
- 2.1 Expected Outcomes and Potential Benefits
- 2.2 Research Question
- 2.3 Hypotheses
- 3 "Think globally, act locally!"
- 3.1 Prerequisites for a functioning community
- 4 Community and community organizations
- 4.1 Community organizations
- 4.2 Defining the community
- 5 Community Development
- 5.1 What is community development?
- 5.2 Principle and Values
- 5.3 Community Development Resources
- 5.4 The role of different capitals
- 6 Capacity Building and Empowerment
- 7 Sustainable development
- 8 The economic dimension
- 8.1 Community economic development
- 8.2 Agriculture
- 8.3 Pro poor growth (PPG)
- 8.4 Social Economy
- 8.5 Cooperation versus competition
- 9 The social dimension
- 9.1 Human development and capability approach
- 9.2 Health as a key factor for social development
- 9.2.1 Components of health initiatives
- 9.2.2 Primary health care (PHC)
- 10 The ecological dimension
- 10.1 Environment and agriculture
- 10.2 Environmental health
- 11 Summary and Conclusion of theoretical framework
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to explore community development as a people-centered initiative for achieving sustainability. It investigates the multifaceted aspects of community development, examining its principles, values, and resources within the context of poverty and vulnerability. The research analyzes the interplay between economic, social, and ecological dimensions of sustainable development within communities.
- Community development as a people-centered approach
- The relationship between poverty, vulnerability, and community development
- The economic, social, and ecological dimensions of sustainable development
- Capacity building and empowerment within communities
- The role of various capitals in community development
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of community development as a people-centered initiative to achieve sustainability. It sets the stage for the subsequent chapters by outlining the scope and objectives of the research, highlighting the importance of community participation and highlighting the challenges related to poverty and vulnerability.
2 The Problem - poverty and vulnerability: This chapter establishes the context of the study by focusing on poverty and vulnerability as key challenges hindering sustainable development. It lays the groundwork for understanding the need for community-based solutions, presenting expected outcomes and potential benefits of effective community development interventions. The research question and hypotheses are clearly defined, providing a roadmap for the subsequent analysis.
3 "Think globally, act locally!": This chapter explores the practical application of global sustainable development principles at the local community level. It emphasizes the importance of community-led initiatives and highlights the necessary prerequisites for a functioning and self-sustaining community. The chapter likely contrasts top-down approaches with bottom-up, community-driven strategies.
4 Community and community organizations: This chapter delves into the definition of "community" and the critical role of community organizations in facilitating development. It likely differentiates between various types of community organizations and their respective contributions to community development processes. The chapter explores the organizational structures and capacities needed to support effective community action.
5 Community Development: This chapter provides a comprehensive definition of community development, exploring its core principles and values. It analyzes various resources available for community development and discusses the role of different types of capital (e.g., social, human, financial) in achieving sustainable outcomes. The chapter establishes a conceptual framework for understanding how resources can be leveraged effectively to support community-led initiatives.
6 Capacity Building and Empowerment: This chapter focuses on the crucial role of capacity building and empowerment in achieving sustainable community development. It likely examines the methods and strategies for building the skills, knowledge, and confidence of community members, allowing them to take ownership of their development process. The chapter emphasizes participation and self-determination as key drivers of long-term success.
7 Sustainable development: This chapter provides a thorough overview of the concept of sustainable development, examining its three pillars—economic, social, and environmental. It establishes a framework for understanding how these interconnected dimensions influence community well-being and long-term sustainability. The chapter likely discusses the challenges and opportunities of balancing these dimensions in community development projects.
8 The economic dimension: This chapter explores the economic aspects of community development. It focuses on concepts such as community economic development, the role of agriculture, pro-poor growth strategies, the social economy, and the balance between cooperation and competition within the community. The chapter analyses the economic drivers of poverty and vulnerability and how community-based initiatives can contribute to economic empowerment.
9 The social dimension: This chapter examines the social dimension of community development, emphasizing the importance of human development and the capability approach. The chapter likely delves into the relationship between health and social development, exploring different components of health initiatives and the role of primary healthcare (PHC). It emphasizes the social determinants of health and well-being and how community development can improve social equity and inclusion.
10 The ecological dimension: This chapter explores the ecological dimension of sustainable development in the context of community development. It examines the relationship between environment and agriculture, as well as the importance of environmental health. The chapter likely highlights the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and community well-being, emphasizing the importance of responsible resource management and environmental protection in achieving long-term sustainability.
Keywords
Community development, sustainability, poverty, vulnerability, capacity building, empowerment, economic development, social development, ecological sustainability, human development, primary health care, community participation, people-centered approach.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main focus of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of community development as a people-centered approach to achieving sustainability. It explores the multifaceted aspects of community development, examining its principles, values, and resources within the context of poverty and vulnerability. The analysis delves into the interplay between economic, social, and ecological dimensions of sustainable development within communities.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
Key themes include: community development as a people-centered approach; the relationship between poverty, vulnerability, and community development; the economic, social, and ecological dimensions of sustainable development; capacity building and empowerment within communities; and the role of various capitals (social, human, financial, etc.) in community development.
What is the structure of the text?
The text is structured logically, beginning with an introduction and progressing through chapters addressing the problem of poverty and vulnerability, the concept of "thinking globally, acting locally," community organizations, the definition and principles of community development, capacity building and empowerment, sustainable development, and the economic, social, and ecological dimensions of development. It concludes with a summary and conclusion of the theoretical framework.
What are the chapter summaries?
Each chapter provides a detailed exploration of its respective topic. For example, Chapter 2 establishes the context of the study by focusing on poverty and vulnerability, Chapter 5 defines community development and explores its principles and resources, and Chapter 8 delves into the economic dimension, encompassing community economic development, agriculture, pro-poor growth, and the social economy.
What are the objectives of this research?
The primary objective is to explore community development as a people-centered initiative for achieving sustainability. It aims to investigate the multifaceted aspects of community development and analyze the interplay between economic, social, and ecological dimensions within communities. The research also intends to highlight the importance of community participation and address challenges related to poverty and vulnerability.
What are the key words associated with this text?
Key words include: community development, sustainability, poverty, vulnerability, capacity building, empowerment, economic development, social development, ecological sustainability, human development, primary health care, community participation, and people-centered approach.
What is the table of contents?
The table of contents provides a detailed breakdown of the chapters and sub-chapters, outlining the specific topics covered in the text. It serves as a roadmap for navigating the various aspects of community development discussed.
Who is the intended audience for this text?
The intended audience is likely academics and researchers interested in community development, sustainable development, poverty reduction, and related fields. The comprehensive nature of the language preview suggests its suitability for use in academic settings.
What is the significance of the "Think globally, act locally!" chapter?
This chapter highlights the importance of applying global sustainable development principles at the local community level, emphasizing community-led initiatives and the prerequisites for a functioning and self-sustaining community. It likely contrasts top-down approaches with bottom-up, community-driven strategies.
How does this text address the economic, social, and ecological dimensions of sustainable development?
The text dedicates specific chapters to exploring each of these dimensions. It analyzes how these interconnected elements influence community well-being and long-term sustainability. The economic dimension focuses on community economic development, agriculture, and pro-poor growth; the social dimension emphasizes human development and health; and the ecological dimension explores the relationship between environment, agriculture, and environmental health.
- Quote paper
- Andreas Achatz (Author), 2010, Community Development. A people centered initiative to achieve sustainability, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/169260
