Participatory public policies: the experience of urban development projects in Benin (Case of the Urban Development and Decentralization Support Project)

• Main Authors: Dossou Georges, Précieux Christian BEHANZIN, Saïnou Jadix, Dossou-yovo Casilda, Dossou-vou Raymond
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: EL-AYACHI 2021-05-01
• Series: African Journal on Land Policy and Geospatial Sciences
• Subjects: public policies; participation; decentralization; urban development
• Online Access: https://revues.imist.ma/index.php/AJLP-GS/article/view/23698

Context and background Citizen participation is increasingly well understood around the world, and its practice is spreading. In fact, it became a pillar of well-functioning democracies in the 19th century. This makes it desirable, and even essential! It helps institutions build fruitful relationships with communities. These relationships enhance local quality of life because they explain decisions, which tend to be more sustainable and equitable. It is for the Urban Development and Decentralization Support Project (PAURAD), and as with many urban development projects in Benin, a facet of a dialogue between institutions and communities that leads to decisions that create social and economic capital. Goal and Objectives: This research aims to analyze community participation in the implementation of theUrban Development and Decentralization Support Project (PAURAD) in Benin. Methodology: The present work is a mixed-methods research on community participation in the implementation of the Urban Development and Decentralization Support Project (PAURAD) in Benin. As such, it combines qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques in order to achieve its objectives. To this end, appropriate data collection methods were chosen, namely the document review, the (semi-directive) interview and the questionnaire; developed with their specific tools, namely the reading sheet, the guide and the questionnaire respectively.Sampling is determined by reasoned choice and simple random choice methods. Results: The participatory approach is a vector for nourishing and supporting the social demand which is then carried by the urban project management Within the framework of PAURAD, it is tangible, but nevertheless limited to simple consultation meetings, organized from time to time during the project implementation process.In addition, it does little to promote community responsibility for the maintenance of future infrastructure and works to be put in place. There is also an urgent need to expand participation in decision-making in the various processes.