Providing environmental urban services to the poor in Andhra Pradesh: developing strategic decision-making

Abstract

This paper describes an urban development programme in Andhra Pradesh, India, one of a new generation of programmes that aim to bring about more sustainable change for the poor within the framework of municipal government and other local institutions. The programme, funded by DFID and implemented through 32 local authorities, worked to improve municipal performance, to fund environmental services for the poor and to strengthen civil society organizations. The paper discusses a participatory introspection in six of the municipalities through which change was assessed. Relationships among the stakeholders were found to have improved, municipal accountability was increased and civil society groups had become eager to take a greater role in decision-making. Women were especially affected (although there continue to be barriers to their participation): their networks grew, their analytical and collaborative skills increased and their input was acknowledged and appreciated. The paper considers the potential for sustaining the positive changes experienced through the programme, and offers some concrete suggestions.