Participation in development projects is a central tenet of participatory development and research. It is based on the idea that those most affected by structural disadvantage should have a key role in determining how to mitigate and overcome it.

So far, so good. But how to do this effectively?

In this study by Roberts and Howard, the authors introduce the “participation cube” model as a framework to evaluate the depth of participation in development projects. The cube is designed to assess (a) who participates, (b) at which project stages, and (c) at what level of agency and power. 

When they applied it to development projects in Zambia and Uganda, this method offered a nuanced understanding of participant agency and power dynamics, uncovering patterns and barriers to participation.

Fig. 1 The participation cube (Roberts, 2021).

Image credit: Tony Roberts and Jo Howard (2024)

The study shows how the participation cube can be used to both identify and do something about power inequities during projects. In doing so, it builds on the original “power cube” by focusing specifically on the dimensions of participation in development projects, whereas the power cube focuses on power analysis.

For example, in Zambia it showed how individual circumstances significantly affect participation across what seem to be homogenous groups. Using the cube in Uganda showed the trade-offs between fostering collective identity and acknowledging intra-group differences. The study highlights the dynamic nature of participation, showing how levels fluctuate for different actors throughout a project’s lifecycle.

The researchers recommend that participants are directly involved in defining the cube’s axes so that their realities are reflected accurately. 

This paper will be of interest to researchers and practitioners who are curious to adopt, adapt, and expand the participation cube model to optimise participation in a range of development contexts to produce sustained development impacts.