Community asset mapping, mobilisation and management (CA/M) approach: a case study

Abstract

As opposed to needs-based approaches, which use a definition of the deficiencies of a community that need to be addressed as a starting point (“needs analysis”), asset-based development approaches begin with identifying and building on the assets or capacities that a community already has. The CA/M methodology is asset-based and was developed to ensure that the construction of community assets could be integrated with local community development to enable sustainability through meaningful community participation and empowerment. CA/M proposes that community empowerment, capacity building and local economic development can be achieved through a structured process of asset mapping, development of an asset mobilisation strategy, and ongoing asset management by the community. The paper will present a practical application and recommendations based on a CA/M implementation in the Imperani Tourism and Training Centre (ITTC) project in Ficksburg. The ITTC experience has contributed to the development of a CA/M Guideline which has been prepared with the objective of supporting the implementation of participatory programmes and initiatives on the ground. The CA/M guideline is targeted at all the stakeholders involved in the life-cycle of an asset including Government, donors, funding institutions, built-environment professionals, social or development practitioners and the community.