Robust civil society participation is a fundamental requirement for the sustained
success of many development efforts that target marginalized groups. Recognizing
this, SECID was a leader in helping to form and strengthen many informal grassroots
groups into active actors in the development process. Although the majority of
SECID's experience focuses on increasing the participation of the rural poor and
women in civil society organizations, we have particularly relevant experience in
bringing diverse, often conflicting, stakeholders to the table in our key sectors of
agriculture, education and natural resources management.