Conditions of Participation in Rural, Non‐Formal Education Programmes: A Delphi Study

Abstract The Delphi Technique was used to identify those conditions which are most likely to encourage full participation in non‐formal education (NFE) programmes. A panel of experts in international development education was selected for the study. Panelists were asked to rate the importance of individual conditions drawn from the programme development, economics, sociological, political and psychological literature. These experts were also encouraged to identify further critical conditions. The results of the study indicate that the participants believed that if we are to attract full participation at the village level in NFE programmes, then it is essential that we 1. adopt a user‐centred approach which truly identifies local needs, 2. provide a clear linkage between participation and the fulfilment of personal needs, and 3. use outside experts as facilitators rather than dictators. Of the five groups of conditions reviewed political conditions were seen as being of primary importance.