Greetings to all, While I think there is a real value to the observation that many development projects stray on the wrong side of the 80/20 rule in an effort to ensure maximum value from the project, I cannot agree that the factors effecting decision making are in any way different from one community to the next, when viewed at the point where the decision is finally made. Whether a committee, election processes or referenda, or a single autocratic individual makes the choice the important fact is that the decision is made on the basis of existing knowledge and a necessity to reach a decision, for one or other reason. It may be that multiple people make the decision and then cast a vote, or it may be one person makes the decision, but the principle is the same in each case.
The experience, perception and understanding (i.e. knowledge) of those who perceive a need to make a decision and the quality and quantity of existing knowledge of those who make the decision, will impact on the decision whoever makes it. Whatever form and shape that knowledge takes, whether induced by a formal university degree, or a specific research study, or traditional folklore, or social awareness and political understanding of what is desirable or not, surely we can safely accept that in the general sense 'better knowledge' will lead to 'better decisions'. If people don't have time to gather better knowledge we have to find ways to enable them to have time - and this means a better standard of living usually, basic needs like fresh water and food closer to hand and electricity/light to extend daylight hours, and as so rightly pointed out, the opportunity to apply better knowledge for immediate and long term benefit. In this respect it is not enough to provide opportunity without access and education, or access without opportunity and education, or education without opportunity and access. Best regards, Chris Bragg KMS Technology ------------ ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, an NGO that is a GKP member*** To post a message, send it to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: <http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/>
