Service delivery on the cheap? Community-based workers in development interventions

Author(s)
Boesten, Jelke
Cleaver, Frances
Mdee, Anna
Editor(s)
Eade, Deborah
Publication date
2011-02-01
Subject
Approach and methodology
Health
Keywords
Development methods
HIV and AIDS
Water and sanitation
Development in Practice Journal
DiP
Country
South Africa
Tanzania

Metadata
Show full item record
Publisher(s)
Oxfam GB
Routledge
Journal
Development in Practice
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10546/131166
DOI
10.1080/09614524.2011.530230
Document type
Journal article
Language
English
Description
Within current neo-liberal approaches to development, models of community-driven development assume that community-based workers (CBWs) are key actors in improved and accessible service delivery. We argue that use of CBWs is under-theorised and seems to be based largely on untested assumptions about community participation and responsibility. Drawing on case studies on potable-water management and home-based care for HIV/AIDS patients in Tanzania and South Africa, the article explores issues of accountability, professionalism, and personal motivations in systems involving CBWs. It argues that many assumptions in relation to the effectiveness of CBW programmes require re-visiting.<p>This article is hosted by our co-publisher Taylor & Francis.</p>
Pages
17
ISSN
0961-4524
EISSN
1364-9213
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