Perceiving Development Through Natives’ Lens: Field Experiences From Three Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

Despite the acknowledgment that participatory approaches in development have potential in understanding and designing development programs and policies, perceptions of development continue to be dominated by outsiders including professionals and other development agents, most of whom do not experience the conditions. Using qualitative data collected based on the field experiences from three tribal communities of Kurung Kumey District, namely the Nyishi, the Puroik, and the Bangru, this article attempts to involve tribal community members in the conceptualization of development in their context and outlining possible strategies to address the identified development issues. The study finds people keen on participating in development and who can rank their development needs and priorities, emphasizing the significance of development, as well as its perceived hierarchical nature. The study advocates the use of both macro and micro approaches to development where development recipients are involved in development plans and decisions.