Changes

A participatory approach is an approach in which the end users of a sanitation or water system are involved in the planning of the system from the start. This contrasts to the more traditional top-down methods of planning, in which the needs of users were often 'filled in' by officials, who might have a different perception of actual needs of the users. A good participatory approach improves motivation, increases learning and feelings of ownership and enables community empowerment. By raising awareness about the water or sanitation issues, it enables the users to make an 'informed choice' about what will become their system.