The Participatory development theory changed their approach in 1970’s to the humanistic approach. The changing process involves the participation of the beneficiaries from the inception stage to implementation of the development intervention. This new approach helped the society to build their own capacity and self-reliance. The approach helped the grassroots movement to be heard, by becoming partners in the development process. Participatory is a way of collaborating and get information from the community members to the involved stakeholders. It is not a passive process; the government use it to gather information and it gives the community members a voice to questions the existing structures.  

An example out the view of South African contexed: 

Crime in South Africa has been a challenge for the government to resolve. The South African Police Service struggle to keep up with demands of protecting the citizens and ensuring that criminals are brought to Justice. Certain communities started to take matters into their own hands by catching criminals and exercising their own “justice” as punishment for members of society who commit criminal acts.

The SAPS introduced a community-based police forum (CPF) where members of the community can in their private capacity participate in crime prevention activities and act as informants for the SAPS. The community participation directly addresses a local problem and through the participation of the community great success have been achieved in certain communities where these forums are effectively implemented.