This sourcebook primarily focuses on participation and how it can help contribute to the development process, strengthening the success of projects, and effectively reaching the poor. Participation is described as a process through which stakeholders in a community will influence and share control over development projects, and will partake in the decisions and resources which affect the overall well-being of the community. The sourcebook offers practice pointers, methods and tools, and working paper examples of previous experiences with participatory projects. The sourcebook is mainly intended for readers who have already decided that the use of a participatory approach is their preferred method in their professional work. With this in mind, the sourcebook offers a full set of guidelines for effectively applying a participatory program in an International Development sector.