Autonomous development1996

Raff Carmen is one of the very few challenging and ground-breaking thinkers who can change the way in which we perceive and practise "development". In this comprehensive book, he succeeds in interweaving a vast panorama of theories and methodologies with practical case studies to bring complex issues dramatically to life. His unerring commitment to bottom-up development, rooted in people's organizations and the power of culture, is refreshing at a time of widespread disillusion. Most importantly, he convinces us that alternative approaches have worked and can work in the future... Highly recommended for anyone who wants to challenge assumptions and broaden the horizon of development debate and practice.