Abstract

This talk compares successful and unsuccessful aspects of development projects based on Dr. Anderson’s personal experiences in Africa, Mexico, and the U.S.A. Dr. Anderson will explore different types of implementation schemes that do and do not work in the context of development projects, and provide some suggestions for maximizing success in these projects. An emphasis is placed on the importance of grassroots participation and community buy-in. All presented case studies are based on Dr. Anderson’s personal experience.

Speaker Bio

Dr. K.C. Anderson has participated in formal and informal development projects in South Africa, Mexico, and inner-city U.S.A. She lived in South Africa for four months prior to the first ever elections working on a development project in a shanty town near Durban. More recently, she has participated in a successful development project in Chacala, Mexico. Her undergraduate degree was in Human Geography with an emphasis on the problems associated with development whether it be in the third world or in inner city areas of the U.S.A. Her Ph.D. is in Cognitive Studies in Education and she has also been a high school social studies teacher.