Before deliberating on the four key questions, the working group first extensively discussed the concept of participation. A number of definitions proposed by other organizations such as the World Bank were considered and the Group agreed on the following as a functional definition:

ISSUE 1: What are specific participatory methodologies used to enhance impact during the various stages of the project cycle?

The group members exchanged experiences on the various methodologies used by their own agencies in different stages of the project cycle. strategy formulation/inception, formulation/appraisal, implementation, and project completion. A list of relevant stakeholders and methodologies used are as follows:

Some of the suggestions provided by group members are as follows:

A. Consultant-related

• Consultants/design team should be in listening mode and act as facilitators between government staff and prospective beneficiaries
• There is a need for sensitization/orientation of consultants for impact monitoring and assessment
• Rigorous selection criteria should be developed and used (Criteria: track record, understanding of key issues)

B. Training/Capacity Building

• There is a need for training for attitudinal and behavioral change (gender sensitization, communication, etc.)

C. General

• Design should be a process (dynamic and iterative) and not a one shot affair.
• Ownership of design by clients and beneficiaries should be promoted.
• More time and resources are needed for project formulation work.

D. Implementation-related

• Funds should be channeled directly to communities/user groups for better use and impact.
• Grant support (e.g. SOF) should be provided to facilitate implementation and participation.
• Synergistic partnership should be built among stakeholders.

ISSUE 3: How can indicators for capacity building and empowerment be developed?

The group did not have enough time to dwell on this important issue. Nevertheless, it felt that the following two aspects need attention in the development of any indicator:

• Beneficiary needs assessments
• Vision and perspective of beneficiaries

The group members suggested the following improvements in the formulation of the annual work programme and budget:

• Self evaluation to share experiences of different stakeholders to prepare for AWP&B workshop (Community, NGO, frontline departments, etc.)
• Use of PRA methods (scoring, ranking, seasonality, timeline, trend diagram, SWOT analysis, etc.) for self evaluation
• During workshop—transparency/accountability about criteria for resource allocation/use
• Special strategies needed/resource allocated to reach marginalised groups