Context

A participatory process must take into consideration the context it is operating within. It may not be necessary to know all the details of a particular area, but you must be as clear on where there may be obstacles or opportunities (the context) as you are on where you are going (the purpose).

Understanding the wider context is important to ensure that the participation process:

• Is responsive to participant needs;
• Builds on previous experience and learns lessons from the past;
• Does not duplicate other activities;
• Progresses quickly and is relevant.

The factors that are likely to affect the success of any participatory process, and the choice of method, are likely to include:

• Decision-making environment
• History
• Characteristics and capabilities of participants
• Other relevant activities

It is important to realise that all participants will have their own interpretation of the context within which they are operating. It is often worth spending time developing a shared understanding of the context as part of the participatory process.

Clicking on the 'next' button will take you to the context related questions and then on to the follow up section (Section 5)

For more information try the Context checklist