What is ^|^lsquo;the Local^|^rsquo; in Women's Participation The Contexts of Two Development Programs in Samoa

Abstract

In these two decades, interest in 'local' has gradually increased in development theory and practice. Participation,' one of the most prominent concepts in emphasizing 'local,' has the purpose of implementing development projects based on people's needs at local level. Such needs are assumed to consist of local' factors. However, there are many meanings of the local' in development practice, and most of them are likely to converge on social and cultural aspects. This article attempts to examine factors influencing women's participation in two development programs in Samoa, in order to reconsider the meanings of the local' in relation with development practice. Comparing the two programs, factors influencing the possibility of women's participation were derived from various aspects; from human relations among the group to economic conditions in both individual households and residential villages. On the other hand, women's motivations to participate were basically determined by cultural norms. As a consequence, it is apparent that factors affecting the situations of women's participation are considerably diverse in terms of the projects themselves and women's daily lives. To comprehend the meanings of 'the local,' it is necessary to consider the scales and the contents, which are regarded as 'local' in development practice.