Evaluating the impact of community appraisals : some lessons from south-west England
- UK : Policy Press, jan. 2006
This article evaluates the impact of community appraisals undertaken in 46 predominantly rural communities in south-west England. The analysis is based on responses to a questionnaire and focus groups with representatives of 10 communities. The survey considered the extent to which community concerns were addressed and the impact of the appraisals on community development and the stock of social capital. The study indicated that the impact of the process was limited. Progress in addressing concerns was restricted primarily to the resolution of relatively simple problems. Similarly, the gains for community development and social capital were modest