Theory and Application in Armenia a Master's Essay
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AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF ARMENIA INTEGRATED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: THEORY AND APPLICATION IN ARMENIA A MASTER'S ESSAY SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS FOR PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS by SHANT PETROSSIAN YEREVAN, ARMENIA MAY 2013 SIGNATURE PAGE Faculty Advisor Date Department Chair Date American University of Armenia May 2013 Acknowledgements The completion of this Master's Essay was only in the least, a milestone in my academic path. It was part of the culmination of my first two years in Armenia. The American University of Armenia was my second home — often nearly my first — during the past two years. My appreciation for the welcoming atmosphere and the friendly faculty and students cannot be understated. I would like to thank my dean, professors, and classmates for the help and warmth they gave me. More specifically as to this research project I must express my most sincere gratitude to Dr. Arpie Balian, professor, employer, and mentor. Her direction and assistance were instrumental for the completion of this research and supportive for the completion of my studies in general. Her guidance has not only served my academic purposes but has given me inspiration that I will truly carry for the rest of my life. I would also like to thank the UNDP Armenia office which readily and eagerly provided assistance as I needed it. Their passion for the topic of this research goes beyond mere employment to devotion for the communities and people they affect. As to that point, lastly I would like to thank the Mayor, Local Community Leader, and residents of the Lusadzor community, who eagerly welcomed me into their community and their homes. TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1: Introduction .............................................................................................................. 6 Background of the Problem ................................................................................................... 6 Statement of the Problem ....................................................................................................... 7 Purpose of the Study .............................................................................................................. 7 Research Hypotheses ............................................................................................................. 8 Importance and Scope of the Study ....................................................................................... 8 Chapter 2: Review of the Literature ......................................................................................... 10 Defining the Concept ........................................................................................................... 10 Application and Methodology Assessments ........................................................................ 19 (Rural) Development in Armenia ........................................................................................ 24 Chapter 3: Research Methodology........................................................................................... 28 Research Methods ................................................................................................................ 28 Lusadzor ............................................................................................................................... 29 UNDP ICD Methodology – Program in Lusadzor .............................................................. 31 Details of Project.................................................................................................................. 31 Data Collection Instruments ................................................................................................ 34 Pilot Testing of Instruments ................................................................................................. 34 Data Analysis ....................................................................................................................... 35 Assumptions of the Study .................................................................................................... 36 Limitations of the Study....................................................................................................... 36 Chapter 4: Research Findings .................................................................................................. 38 Survey Analysis Results ...................................................................................................... 38 Interview Content Analysis Results ..................................................................................... 41 Document Content Analysis Results ................................................................................... 43 Chapter 5: Conclusions and Suggestions for Future Research ................................................ 46 Summary .............................................................................................................................. 46 Conclusions .......................................................................................................................... 46 Suggestions for Future Research ......................................................................................... 47 Bibliography ............................................................................................................................ 49 Appendices ............................................................................................................................... 51 Appendix A: Survey Questionnaire ..................................................................................... 51 Appendix B: Interview Questions to UNDP Development Specialist................................. 55 Appendix C: Interview questions for Lusadzor Mayor and Deputy Mayor ........................ 56 List of Figures Figure 1: Cyclical Community Participation ........................................................................... 15 Figure 2: Kaizen Approach ...................................................................................................... 17 Figure 3: Tavush Map .............................................................................................................. 29 Figure 4: Program Awareness .................................................................................................. 38 Figure 5: Program Control ....................................................................................................... 39 Figure 6: Lusadzor CDP Content Analysis .............................................................................. 44 Figure 7: Content Analysis of Pambak Development Plan ..................................................... 44 Figure 8: Content Analysis of RoA Annual Progress Report .................................................. 45 Figure 9: VET Annual Report Content Analysis ..................................................................... 45 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Background of the Problem International development efforts in the past several decades have had varying levels of success, but in the grand scheme have seen relatively more failure than success success defined as the full realization of the initially intended outcome. The causes behind partial or complete failure are numerous and diverse ranging from deficiencies in the development approach, methodology or implementation design, to inadequate application of the methods planned, to breakdowns in ongoing operations. In the 1970s, the World Bank attempted to change the paradigm behind prior development approaches, creating Integrated Rural Development (IRD) as a method meant to address the multifaceted reality of poverty around the world. Since then, many programs have sought to apply the concept of IRD to development and, as before, have had varying levels of success. IRD was not the only new method developed with the aim of addressing shortcomings in previous methodologies. In the late 1980s into the 1990s a more refined methodology was developed which expanded on the same principles of IRD but targeted more than just rural communities. It was built upon the same fundamental tenets, following a holistic approach to development, but was not relegated to rural targets exclusively. This method, Integrated Community Development (ICD), is currently being implemented by various organizations including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) throughout the world. Understanding Integrated Development approaches requires an explanation of the motivations behind their inception; the methodological background behind what they are specifically meant to address. 6 Statement of the Problem ICD has become a widely applied methodology in many parts of the developing world. The theories it entails display an advance in the understanding and appreciation for the different focus areas of development, including human psychology, fostering leadership, and economics among many others. Nevertheless, problems persist where ICD is applied. Development is still too often slow and economically or socially unsustainable — communities in developing regions still do not feel confident without continued intervention. If there is still room for improving development strategies program implementers must be able to hone in on where failures occur in current application. If the theory behind ICD is comprehensive the shortcomings must be in the methodology with which it