The Community-Driven Development (CDD) Unit handles the design, implementation and management of community-led projects and programmes both within PDA and on behalf of partners.
The CDD Unit views communities as subjects of change and development partners in their own right, rather than as mere receivers of public and private goods and services or objects of charity. The work of the CDD Unit is interrelated to all the other units of PDA.
In our quest to facilitate the development of communities, we undertake participatory research, train district partners and community leaders in leadership and evidence-based advocacy skills, and link them to district or national institutions. Where necessary, in partnership with like-minded organisations, especially those based at the districts, we undertake direct advocacy in the areas of local governance and accountability.
Our Vision for partner communities
CDD envisages a country where communities have capacities to plan and implement their own development agenda; improve local accountability mechanisms; take a keen interest in decentralization, food security and education; ensure proper urban sanitation and waste management measures; and support the integration of traditional and religious leaders.
We envisage a community where vulnerable, marginalised and minority groups participate actively in the development process for a just, equitable, tolerant, open and socially inclusive society. CDD envisages a community where every woman and girl enjoys full gender equality and all legal, social and economic barriers to their empowerment have been removed.
CDD envisages a community where the youth are empowered to make a positive impact on society; a community that imparts entrepreneurial and social enterprise development skills in young people to create decent employment, cooperation and active participation in decision making and governance processes.
Mission
CDD works with communities, governments, local assemblies and like-minded partners to facilitate community-led development using sustainable, innovative and participatory approaches. The CDD Unit facilitates a process of self-belief and self-reliance; attitudinal and behavioural change on the part of communities who over the years have lost confidence in their own capabilities. In our work with communities or marginalised groups, we employ various participatory tools and methods such as Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) approach, Gender Action Learning System (GALS), Community Action Planning (CAP), Social Accountability, Outcome Mapping among others.
Areas of Work
We have worked in a wide range of areas in development including:
- Local economic development – education, WASH, healthcare, agriculture and decentralization
- Financial Inclusion (VSLAs and Cooperatives)
- Smallholder farmer development and support programmes
- Women, Youth and Economic Opportunities
- Reproductive Health
- Gender and Development