Community driven development in Timor-Leste : a case study of the National Village Development Program from 2015 to 2020.

Abstract: This research paper is a mixed-methods single case study that contributes to filling a gap within the literature surrounding the implementation of the National Village Development Program (PNDS-Programa Nasional Dezenvolvimentu Suku) in the village of Fahilebo, Timor-Leste. The research goals were to first identify the major differences between PNDS’ effects and Community-Driven-Development theory. Second, uncover the underlying reasons found by the program’s beneficiaries and development practitioners for the perceived PNDS’ effects both concerning poverty reduction, and social capital between 2015 and 2020. The study collected 143 surveys that were compared to the 2015 Timor-Leste’s National Census or to the 2015 PNDS Baseline. PNDS-attribution of the effects was based on the findings of 19 semi-structured interviews with program beneficiaries and development practitioners which were used to explain PNDS’ performance, plus two triangulation rounds. The study found positive effects in poverty reduction from the construction of small-scale infrastructure by the means of income and productivity, and public services provision. While the results showed positive PNDS’ effects regarding inclusion and participation and access to information, it is not possible to conclude that PNDS raised social capital. Nonetheless, no major differences were found with CDD’s theory-participatory development, resulting in Fahilebo’s public sphere enhancement because of PNDS.