Glossary / Community-Led-Growth

Community-Led-Growth

Community-led growth refers to a development approach that prioritizes the active participation and engagement of local communities in decision-making processes and the implementation of development projects. It recognizes that communities are the primary stakeholders and beneficiaries of development initiatives and that their involvement is crucial for sustainable and inclusive growth. In community-led growth, communities are empowered to identify their own needs, set priorities, and design and implement solutions that are tailored to their specific context. This approach promotes local ownership, accountability, and sustainability, as it ensures that development initiatives are driven by the needs and aspirations of the community members themselves. Community-led growth also emphasizes the importance of building the capacity of local communities to effectively participate in decision-making processes and take on leadership roles. This includes providing training and resources to community members, fostering collaboration and networking among different stakeholders, and creating platforms for dialogue and consultation. By involving communities in the development process, community-led growth can lead to more effective and sustainable outcomes. It helps to ensure that development initiatives are responsive to the needs and priorities of the people they are intended to benefit, and that they are implemented in a way that respects and preserves local cultures, traditions, and resources. Overall, community-led growth is a bottom-up approach to development that recognizes the agency and expertise of local communities, and seeks to empower them to drive their own development and improve their quality of life.