The social mobilization approach: A participatory model for local resourcemobilization

The paper introduces the Social Mobilization Approach (SMA). The argument t hat forms the basis for this approach is that solidarity created by micropo litical associations such as ethnicity, religion, class, culture, and gende r is a form of social capital that can be used to mobilize local resources for development. This solidarity can be transformed into tangible, local-le vel resources which take a variety of forms including community participati on, local ownership, local natural resources, and in a limited number of ca ses, financial resources. The paper uses a series of case studies taken fro m USAID experience to highlight areas in which the concepts suggested by th e approach were used. The SMA framework is designed as an analytical tool f or mid- to junior-level development practitioners from donor organizations and PVO/NGO/IOs.