Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part 1: Background and basics -- Chapter 1: The nature of community development -- Chapter 2: Local and global contexts -- Chapter 3: Theoretical perspectives and concepts -- Chapter 4: Community development and the state -- Part 2: Practical foundations -- Chapter 5: Processes and practices -- Chapter 6: Community organisations -- Chapter 7: Activities and practices -- Chapter 8: Working for solidarity -collective action -- Chapter 9: Funding, research and evaluation -- Part 3: Key issues in community development today -- Chapter 10: Difficulties and dilemmas -- Chapter 11: Challenges and opportunities for the future

Community development is a living field of theory and practice. The enduring features of community development include the commitment to human rights; the empowerment of ordinary people, and especially those who are disadvantaged and oppressed: and support for communities to exert greater control over decisions that affect their lives