Evaluation of development plans with the approach of critical ethnography(Case study: Dam construction projects in Ilam province)

The dam projects in the country are carried out with the aim of development at the macro level and the distribution of their benefits at the local and national levels. Generally, these projects are implemented with a technocratic approach and decision making is done at the highest level of policy makers and with the least participation of local people. This has the most challenging, sustainable, and widespread multidimensional economic, social, cultural, and environmental consequences at the national, regional, and local levels. The aim of this research is to evaluate development plans and policies focusing on dam projects in Ilam province.

This study used the qualitative method and a critical ethnographic approach to investigate dam projects in Ilam province to determine local communities’ understanding of the dam project, their role in the decision-making and implementation process, and the balance of power among project beneficiaries. Data collection was conducted through participant observation and ethnographic interviews.

The research findings show that cash payment policies, lack of decision-making and political will, and lack of a coherent resettlement and relocation plan were the most prevalent aspects of policies and programs in dam projects. 

The results of this research show that the policies and programs undertaken in development projects,have created challenges for the villages affected by the projects. By treating the local population as strangers, they have ignored the participation and accompaniment of local people and the use of local and indigenous knowledge.