NAME: Thelma Louise Akinyi

ADM NO: AHPN/05256P/2024

THE ASSET- BASED APPROACH IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

What is the asset based approach? This approach focuses on building on existing
strengths and resources rather than addressing weaknesses. It emphasizes on the
positive aspects of a community or individual.

This method uses the community’s own assets and resources as the basis for
development.

The Asset-Based Approach gained prominence through the work of John McKnight and
John Kretzmann in the 1990s with the development of Asset-Based Community
Development (ABCD). Their seminal work, Building Communities from the Inside Out,
introduced a framework for community development that begins by identifying local assets
rather than problems. Grounded in theories of empowerment, strengths-based practice,
and participatory development, ABA is closely aligned with humanistic and ecological
paradigms that view individuals and communities as inherently resourceful.

The Asset-Based Approach (ABA) is guided by several key principles that shape how
community development is carried out. These principles help ensure that the approach
remains people-centered, empowering, and sustainable.

Here’s a clear and simple explanation of the core principles of the Asset-Based Approach:

1. Every Community Has Assets

> Principle: Focus on strengths, not just needs.

Every community—no matter how poor or challenged—has resources. These include:

• Talents and skills of individuals

• Informal groups (like youth clubs or women’s groups)
• Cultural traditions and practices
• Local institutions (e.g., churches, schools)
• Natural and physical resources
ABA starts by identifying and valuing these existing assets instead of focusing only on
problems.

2. People Are the Key Assets

> Principle: People are not the problem—they are the solution.

Individuals in the community are seen as capable, creative, and resourceful. Their
knowledge, experience, and leadership are the foundation for development. ABA involves
everyone, not just a few leaders or experts.

3. Relationships Build a Stronger Community

> Principle: Connections matter more than collections.

ABA emphasizes building and strengthening relationships within the community. When
people connect and work together, they can solve problems more effectively. Strong
networks foster trust, collaboration, and support.

4. Citizens Drive the Development Process

> Principle: Community members lead, professionals support.

Instead of professionals designing solutions for the community, ABA puts the community in
the driver’s seat. Development is most effective when local people are the planners,
decision-makers, and implementers.

5. Development Begins With What’s Present

> Principle: Start with what you have, not what you lack.

Development efforts should begin by identifying and mobilizing the assets already
available in the community. This helps to build momentum and avoids dependency on
external aid.

6. Everyone Has Something to Contribute

> Principle: Inclusion strengthens development.

No one is too old, too young, too poor, or too uneducated to be part of the solution. ABA
values the contribution of every community member, regardless of their status.

7. Institutions Should Support, Not Direct

> Principle: Outside support should amplify local efforts, not control them.

Governments, NGOs, and other external institutions are welcome—but they must respect
local leadership and enhance what the community is already doing.

Application of the Asset-Based Approach in Community Development

1. Asset Mapping

Asset mapping involves identifying the skills, talents, and resources available within the
community. This includes:

• Individuals (e.g., a retired teacher, a local carpenter)

• Community-based organizations
• Physical spaces (e.g., parks, schools)
• Economic resources (e.g., local businesses)
• Cultural assets (e.g., traditional music, local festivals)

2. Mobilizing Local Associations

Small community groups, like neighborhood watches, youth clubs, or religious

organizations, often hold deep knowledge and trust within the community. ABA encourages
collaboration with these groups to lead local initiatives.

3. Building Social Capital

One of the greatest resources in any community is its people. By strengthening

relationships, ABA helps build social capital, which enhances trust, cooperation, and the
flow of information.
4. Fostering Community Ownership

When development initiatives are based on local assets, the community is more likely to
feel a sense of ownership and responsibility, which improves participation and
sustainability.

Other applications of the ABA besides community development include;

Education

In education, an asset-based framework acknowledges students’ diverse experiences,

cultures, and knowledge as valuable contributors to the learning process. Teachers using
ABA build on students' strengths to enhance engagement, motivation, and achievement.
This approach is particularly effective in multicultural or under-resourced educational
settings.

Social Work

In social work, ABA aligns with strengths-based practice, which seeks to empower clients
by recognizing their resilience and abilities. Rather than labeling clients by their challenges,
social workers help clients discover and build upon their existing capacities and networks.

The following is an example of an instance in Kenya where the Asset Based Approach was
applied;

Case Study: The Use of Asset-Based Community Development in Makueni County,

Kenya

Background:

Makueni County, located in southeastern Kenya, is a semi-arid region that has long faced
challenges such as drought, food insecurity, and youth unemployment. Instead of focusing
on what the community lacked, local leaders, in partnership with community members
and organizations, applied an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach to
transform the situation from the ground up.

How the Asset-Based Approach Was Applied:

1. Identifying Community Assets: Community facilitators worked with residents to map
out the existing assets within the county. These included:

• Skilled farmers with traditional knowledge of dryland farming.

• Women's self-help groups with experience in savings and micro-loans.
• Youth with vocational training.
• Natural resources like sand and local medicinal plants.
• Local water harvesting techniques.

2. Mobilizing Local Talent and Associations:

• Local farmers shared their knowledge on conservation agriculture, teaching

neighbors how to use techniques like zai pits and mulching to retain soil moisture.
• Women's groups partnered with the county government to form cooperatives and
run small agro-processing businesses.
• Youth were engaged in building water pans and repairing community infrastructure,
using skills from local polytechnics.

3. Focusing on What Works: Instead of waiting for aid, the county supported community-
driven irrigation projects using existing sand dams and riverbeds. These systems were
cheap to maintain and based on indigenous knowledge.

4. Community Ownership and Sustainability: The community contributed labor and

materials for projects, which created a sense of ownership. People felt empowered to
maintain and expand initiatives without relying solely on government or external
organization support.

Results:

• Increased food production through sustainable farming.

• New income-generating opportunities, especially for women and youth.
• Strengthened local governance and participation in decision-making.
• Reduced dependence on external food aid during droughts.
• Stronger community networks and resilience.
Referenceshttps://apnews.com/article/kenya-sand-dam-makueni-kitui-machakos-
climate-5c40665cc199f3ea2ec2d9594ef9cf9a

The Asset-Based Approach (ABA) has several strengths and weaknesses, especially when
applied in community development. Here’s a breakdown of both:

Strengths of the Asset-Based Approach

1. Empowers Communities

Encourages local people to take charge of their own development.

Builds confidence, pride, and self-reliance.

2. Promotes Sustainability

Solutions are built on local resources, making them easier to maintain long-term.

Reduces dependency on external aid or donors.

3. Encourages Participation and Ownership

Community members are more involved in planning and implementation.

When people contribute their own skills and resources, they are more likely to stay
committed.

4. Builds on Existing Strengths

Recognizes and values local knowledge, skills, and institutions.

Encourages creative use of what’s already available rather than waiting for what’s missing.

5. Strengthens Social Networks

Promotes collaboration among community groups, families, and organizations.

Strengthens trust and relationships, which are essential for community resilience.
6. Cost-Effective

Uses local resources, reducing project costs.

Prioritizes what is already available instead of investing heavily in new infrastructure or

systems.

Weaknesses of the Asset-Based Approach

1. May Overlook Urgent Needs

In communities facing serious crises (e.g., conflict, famine, disease), focusing only on
assets may not be sufficient.

Sometimes external support and interventions are absolutely necessary.

2. Takes Time

Asset mapping and community organizing require time and patience.

Results may not be immediate, which can be frustrating for donors or stakeholders seeking
quick wins.

3. Risk of Excluding Vulnerable Groups

If not done inclusively, some voices (especially women, youth, people with disabilities)
might be ignored.

Local power dynamics may limit who gets to participate.

4. Limited Resources

In extremely impoverished communities, local assets might be too few or too weak to
support effective development without outside help.

5. Challenges in Measuring Impact

It's easier to count needs (e.g., how many people lack clean water) than to measure
strengths (e.g., leadership skills, social bonds).

Success can be harder to quantify and report.

6. Requires a Shift in Mindset

Many development practitioners are trained in deficit-based models and may resist
changing their approach.

Communities themselves may initially struggle to see their own assets.