Evaluation of the role of public participation in rural development projects (Case study: combining plans in rural areas)

The discussion about participation in issues such as democracy, development, etc. has gained importance. Participation and rural development, as the two related and complementary elements, has been considered as factors that increase the participation rate among the villagers and a sign for rural development. The main purpose of the present research is to evaluate the role of people in rural regions development plans with an emphasis on Sharam town (Kermanshah province, Paweh city, Nawsoud region). Doing that, it is possible to use that evaluation in developing a policy and plan for rural regions. In the present study, considering the strategy of participation in rural development and participatory rural development theories, the explanation and evaluation of the role of public participation in integrated projects in rural areas become the focus of concern and in literature review some of the most important resources on public participation in development projects in rural areas has been studied.This study is practical and somewhat descriptive. Unorganized interviews and in certain cases observations and review of available documents were used as techniques for data collection. The findings of the study have identified that participation does not mean villagers cooperation in others’ plans. Participation has different levels of involvement and a good participation happens when villagers participate in mental, objective, administrative and decision-making levels. In addition, proper planning and use of villagers’ capabilities could provide a good platform for success of integration projects. Emphasizing on using participation theories and applying a comprehensive and systematic attitude for explaining the role of people in participating in the town plan and similar plans, we should also consider the rural development strategy and theories related to participatory rural development.