Alternative theories of development are humanist approaches meaning that people decide for themselves what constitutes development. People are placed at the centre of development. Development is "for" and "by" the people. This humanist approach includes incorporating the indigenous knowledge possessed by the local communities which drives their economic and socia- cultural progress. 

The are 2 alternative theories to development: community and participatory development but we will be focusing only on the participatory development.

•Participatory development:

This development process involves the participation of the community/beneficiaries from the inception stage to implementation of the development intervention. It allows the society to build their own capacity and self-reliance. It also allows people of lower status to become partners in the development process. Participation enables collaboration between community members and all stakeholders.

Critiques of the Participatory development:

There is limited capacity, inappropriate technologies or no technologies at all, centralisation of power and limited competence amongst communities that hinder the development process.

Poverty and anti-participatory structures may hinder the process of participatory development.