The project yielded the following insights for similar, future community-driven development projects: (i) Inclusive involvement of community members in decision making and implementation of infrastructure projects is needed to ensure ownership and transparency. (ii) Community facilitators and consultants must be well selected so that only qualified and committed personnel are deployed to support communities in the empowerment process and on technical matters. (iii) Sufficient time should be allowed to ensure that all community members understand the community-driven development approach and will be involved in prioritizing their needs, taking investment decisions, and developing infrastructure proposals. (iv) Project managers (government officials) must understand the value of promoting genuine participation and public trust and be interested, motivated, and capable to do so. Project management training for officials may need to include these aspects.
Rural Infrastructure Support to the PNPM Mandiri Project II