Inclusive Planning and Participation

Inclusive planning built on participation and regular community/stakeholder consultation is essential because if crisis-affected populations can use their capacities and help to define the solutions their needs are more likely to be met.

The Sphere Handbook (Sphere Association 2018) also emphasises the importance of inclusive planning: “Ensure representation is inclusive, involving the participation and engagement of communities and people affected by crisis at all stages of the work. Give attention to groups or individuals historically excluded from power and decision-making processes”. Inclusive planning should also consider host communities to ensure equity and identify opportunities to address general needs along the humanitarian-development nexus.

People’s level of engagement will depend on their motivation and capacity to engage as well as the opportunities given to participate. The crisis-affected population will not be all the same and it is vital to understand the differences that exist as well as the factors that separate and unite people. Working with existing community organisations can increase their engagement; key individuals from community organisations can act as representatives for others, broadening the scope of inclusion. Strengthened community bonds can enable the affected population to collaborate with or lead the emergency response in partnership with response teams.

Involving affected communities is crucial in all phases of the response.
At the beginning of an emergency, people need vital information about how to protect themselves and where to get help (inform). However, there is always time to ask people about what they need and as time goes on, this consultation should broaden and deepen to help shape Sanitation programme activities (consult). Early consultation can be a better use of time than making inappropriate decisions later. In the early stages of an acute response, consultation might only be possible with limited numbers of affected people. Over time, there will be more opportunities for more people and groups to become involved in decision-making. But even at the start of an emergency there will be opportunities to involve people in making decisions about e.g. the design of facilities and to provide feedback about the programme (involve). As communities begin to organise, they can choose to partner with responders, taking the initiative and proposing improvements (collaborate). Empowerment is usually seen as the highest level and involves communities working collectively to gain control over their lives and make decisions.

Consider various methods to enhance community engagement, including community scorecards, community mapping or focus group discussions (Gensch et al. 2022 Chapter T). Any truly inclusive planning process should follow the planning phases outlined below (Groupe URD 2009):

1. 1. Understand the dynamics and structures within the community (community mapping of management structures).

2. 2. Initiate the project design: who needs to be involved, who will manage the process, and who has decision-making power? Discuss the selection criteria and details of who will benefit from the programme.

3. 3. Create an inclusive task force that represents all members of a target community.

4. 4. Discuss and prioritise possible solutions and ensure that the solutions are specific and implementable.

5. 5. Encourage dialogue between people of concern and surrounding populations/host communities to develop joint activities based on common goals and interests, thereby fostering peaceful coexistence.

6. 6. Produce an action plan that includes activities, resources and responsibilities.

7. 7. Mobilise from planning to implementation: mobilise resources, mobilise participation for project implementation and implement the action plan.

8. 8. Evaluate the planning process and document the results.

The resources provided (see right column) give a step-by-step approach on how to plan with rather than for communities.