1993 heralded the development of the asset-based community development model. It was conceived in response to top-down, needs-based development initiatives, which tended to serve as de facto tools for reinforcing external influence over local communities, often reducing accountability and increasing dependency on external aid and decision-making. Unlike needs-based development, asset-based community development encourages greater autonomy in exercising communal strengths.
However, with the weight of 30 years of case studies to consider, it has become clear that the asset-based community development model is far from perfect, with some cases suggesting that the approach may in fact have had the opposite of the intended effect, further perpetuating existing power imbalances. The following article explores the main advantages and disadvantages of the asset-based community development model, assesses its impact, and suggests ways to enhance this grassroots approach.
The advantages of asset-based community development
Empowerment and ownership
The main reason to implement asset-based community development is its capacity to empower communities to take ownership, a vital and necessary step towards fostering community transformation. It allows locals to exhibit their expertise and skills, and gives them greater agency over their resources, shifting accountability from external agents to community members, allowing the latter to take charge of local development initiatives.
Where these projects have worked, communities empowered by asset-based community development have exhibited increased engagement and commitment to the projects. Unlike traditional top-down approaches that can create dependency, asset-based community development cultivates self-reliance, transforming residents from passive recipients of aid into active architects of their own community’s future. This breeds a sense of ownership, which in turn supports the longevity of the enterprise, as community members continually reinvest their time and resources into the project.
The inclusive nature of asset-based community development also ensures that diverse voices are heard, which strengthens social cohesion and resilience. Ultimately, this leads to more authentic, context-appropriate solutions, bolstering the long-term viability of the initiatives.
Sustainability
As asset-based community development is a long-term development method, sustainability is a key consideration. Fostering self-reliance is a natural step to take in achieving this goal, as communities subsisting on external resources are especially vulnerable to shifts in circumstances that may negatively impact them.
The asset-based approach ensures that development initiatives are grounded in the community’s context, building on what already works within the community and therefore increasing the likelihood of lasting success.
Similarly, prioritising local resources naturally lends itself towards promoting environmental sustainability. By utilising local materials, the asset-based approach not only reduces the ecological footprint but also drives awareness of the specific climatic and ecological contexts in which these projects operate. This understanding helps communities develop solutions that are environmentally appropriate while fostering a deeper sense of ecological stewardship.
Local knowledge
Asset-based community development places a strong emphasis on local knowledge, recognising it as a vital component for fostering sustainable community growth. By valuing this local knowledge, asset-based community development empowers communities to leverage their own experiences and skills in shaping their community’s development.
Prioritising local knowledge in this way ensures that asset-based community development initiatives are grounded in the community’s reality and cultural context. Local knowledge often encompasses a historical understanding and intimate familiarity with the local ecosystems, all of which can contribute to innovative and sustainable solutions. This leads to more effective and relevant interventions, as solutions are tailored to the specific needs and resources of the area.
Furthermore, emphasising local knowledge empowers community members by validating their experiences and perspectives. This recognition fosters greater engagement and ownership of development processes, as residents feel their contributions are valued and integral to the project’s success. It also promotes the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage and traditional wisdom, which might otherwise be overlooked in conventional development approaches.
The disadvantages of asset-based community development
Time-intensive
While asset-based community development does offer irrefutable benefits to communities, it also presents several challenges. Given that it involves the uplifting of communal strengths and the realisation of latent talents, finding and acting on such strengths and talents is considerably difficult to conduct and consumes an inordinate amount of time.
Additionally, the time spent solely on identifying and cataloguing the community’s existing assets may not align with the urgency of specific community challenges. In rural regions lacking essential resources like water, clothing, or housing, the opportunity cost of dedicating significant time to asset-based community development processes is high, especially when immediate interventions are needed to address critical challenges that affect daily life. This can make it less attractive compared to need-based models that offer quicker, although possibly less sustainable, results.
Uneven resource distribution
Another drawback of asset-based community development is the potential for uneven resource distribution. Communities with more visible or easily identifiable assets may receive disproportionate attention and support, while those with less apparent resources might be overlooked.
This potential for imbalance can inadvertently exacerbate existing inequalities within and between communities. In a worst-case scenario, neighbourhoods with strong social networks or physical infrastructure would attract more investment and development initiatives, while areas lacking these visible assets could be further marginalised. Over time this approach can then lead to a cycle whereby resource-rich communities continue to thrive, while resource-poor areas fall further and further behind.
Such structural inequalities inevitably require more systemic interventions to ensure more equitable development within less fortunate communities. Not taking these steps can lead to residents of disadvantaged communities becoming frustrated or resentful at the perceived devaluation of their community and its potential.
Over reliance on internal resources
The final major shortcoming of asset-based community development is the overreliance on internal resources. While placing emphasis on community self-reliance is a net positive, it can sometimes place an undue burden on community members, especially in severely under-resourced areas. This approach might lead to expectations that individual communities can solve all their problems internally, without external input, support, or resources.
In such cases, this results in burnout among community leaders and volunteers who are constantly called upon to contribute their time and skills without adequate compensation or recognition. Furthermore, an overemphasis on internal resources might lead to missed opportunities for beneficial partnerships or external investments that could significantly enhance community development efforts.
Relying solely on internal capabilities has the potential to limit innovation and prevent communities from accessing valuable knowledge and expertise available outside their immediate environment. Naturally, balancing self-reliance with strategic external support is crucial to avoid exhausting limited community resources while maximising the potential for sustainable development.
Approaching asset-based community development
Asset-based community development presents a compelling framework for community development by prioritising empowerment, sustainability, and local knowledge. However, its shortcomings and disadvantages highlight the need for a balanced approach. It is only by understanding and preemptively addressing these shortcomings that it can fulfil its promise and lead to more equitable and effective community outcomes.
Here at Farrelly Mitchell, we recognise the value of adopting a grassroots approach to community development. Our local sustainable development consultants develop and deliver programs that drive rural development and community empowerment and have a transformative impact on the livelihoods and long-term sustainability of communities.
We work with policymakers, governments, multilaterals, and NGOs to implement scalable and sustainable development programs. Our services include institutional development, capacity building, food security consulting, program design, and much more. Reach out to our team today and let us guide you towards a brighter future.
