Abstract:
The prospects that multi-stakeholder platforms present to development
processes have been the main reason why such platforms have continued to be
used. While concerns about the shortcomings of multi-stakeholder platforms
have been raised in recent times, how these platforms actually function is barely
explored. The paper seeks to examine two assumptions underlying the
functioning of multi-stakeholder platforms. In-depth interviews that were
conducted with members of multi-stakeholder platforms responsible for local
water projects revealed that initial conditions, dispositions and preferences
among the members of the platforms were amenable to change. Additionally,
although the underlying assumptions are desirable, the analysis of data reveals
that while there exists a basic assumption that members of multi-stakeholders
platforms are equal, the members do not view themselves as equals. They are
aware of their differences and exploit such differences. Again the findings show
that the shared benefits to be derived from the synergies that result from the
pooling of potentials of the stakeholders, although important, are not
necessarily enough to keep the stakeholders supporting the goals and objectives
of the platforms.