Community driven development and a ladder of citizen participation
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Date
2025
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Publisher
UMT Lahore
Abstract
The research aims to analyze the participatory model of AKRSP and examine it though Arnstein ladder of citizen participation. The main purpose of the study is to explore how AKRSP ensures local community empowerment, inclusivity and contribute to sustainable development of GB. The research tried to explore the degree of citizen participation in the institution or governance structure of AKRSP and how it is different from governmental structure which differentiates institutional performance, accountability tools in institution and policy implementation at community level. The research relates to Arstein theory ladder of citizen participation, collaborative governance, and sustainable development goals especially when looking at the recent projects of AKRSP such as poverty relief, climate change, and institutional capacity building. The research opted qualitative research methodology and used case study approach. The data provided in the research is primary data collect through semi structured interviews in online mode and in in-person mode. Thematic analysis is used to understand the institution and codes are used to identify different themes and then drawn insights to understand the effectiveness of participatory model of AKRSP. After the data analysis the findings provided that in AKRPS the level of community engagement according to the ladder of participation is “citizen owned” and that AKRSP has played a vital role in mobilizing the local community, enhancing local capacity of GB
and institutionalized LSOs, VOs and WOs as legitimate stakeholder in sustainable developmental initiative. However, the results also show the initial bureaucratic resistance which hindered the developmental issues in initial cases and minor cases of lack of community motivation in maintenances projects after completion. The results also reveal underutilization of youth capacity
due to seasonal youth availability. It recommends policy shifts towards community driven
institutional collaboration.