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Synopsis 'Participation' is a concept that occupies the center-stage of the global development discourse. The reality of participation, however, is often at considerable variance from the rhetoric. Taking this is as the starting point, this volume of original essays focuses on the role of the facilitator who is seen as a critical factor in enabling people's participation in development. The unique feature of this volume is that all the contributors write from field experience where they themselves have played a facilitative role. The result is a book which is about sharing -their point of view, their on-site experience -and which combines conceptual thinking with the practical 'how-to- that accompanies that thinking. The book is divided into three broad sections. Part I presents the important idea of the 'catalyst communicator' which serves as a framework to under-stand the relationship between the facilitator and grassroots cooperators. The next section explores a variety of aspects related to effective facilitation. The 3 contains three extensive case studies which collectively emphasize the link between communication and the building of community. With its rich practical insights, this volume will be of considerable use for practitioners working towards achieving 'people-centered' development. It will also serve as a textbook or supplementary reading in courses on development communication, international development, rural sociology as well as for development-related training programs.