The goal of economic and social development in developing countries is to initiate a process of self-sufficiency and long-term growth that will result in social justice. "Self-reliant development" refers to the development of society's endogenous mechanisms that will allow developing countries to grow without relying on aid in the long run.

Participatory development is a popular approach to people-centered development that focuses on improving the quality of participation in local societies as a means of achieving self-sufficient, long-term development and social justice. The "process of involvement in local society" refers to a set of processes that continuously enhance people's knowledge, organization, and capacities, although there are many different ways to participate in this process. The three aspects below are engaged; they interact and influence both the form and quality of engagement.