Introduction

The research presented in this paper aims to investigate and evaluate how ABCD
actually works when applied to communities in developing countries. This study, conducted in a
small rural area of Mindanao Island in the Philippines, pays particular attention to the
implementation process and results so far. The overall purpose of the study is to add insights
into the application of ABCD in the environment of developing countries and to contribute to
the field of study on effective community development processes.
Therefore, the current community development approach aims to actively involve local
people in meeting human needs, reducing poverty and empowering communities Sustained
Development Plans. Growing interest in community empowerment as its own goal has led to
developments that effectively hand over decision-making and control to local residents Mode
exploration, and make sure it stays there

Conceptual Frameork
ABCD is an evolving approach that proposes the application and integration of various
complementary developmental ideas and practices emerging in a people-centred era.
Seven of these related concepts underpinning the ABCD approach have been identified,
forming the conceptual framework for this paper. These are ABCD expressing a renewed
emphasis on community-level development; ABCD as a realization of civil society agency; ABCD
as community-centred development; ABCD as a key response to a needs-based approach; ABCD
as assertion as a competency-based alternative ; Effective implementation of ABCD as an asset
theory, especially with regard to sustainable livelihood approaches; ABCD as a practical
application of social capital theory.

Conceptual Premises of ABCD

For the purposes of this study, seven theoretical assumptions underlying the ABCD
approach were identified from the literature.
1. ABCD as an expression of a renewed emphasis on community development
By accessing the social and material assets in the community, it aims to realize the
transformative development potential of the community and empower communities to survive
and thrive in the new social order.
2. ABCD as an expression of the agency of civil society
Practitioners should balance opportunities and constraints for economic development,
leveraging social assets to realize community potential, attain civil rights, and develop
partnerships with external agencies. Thus, the ABCD promotes the active role of civil society
mobilized at the association level.
3. ABCD as a vehicle for community-driven development
Its purpose is to facilitate transformational development, leveraging various community
assets and recognizing the impact of specific contextual factors. In addition to mobilizing
specific communities, it also focuses on linking micro assets to the macro environment.
4. ABCD as a Critical Response to Needs-Based Development
Funding under the needs approach is often made available on the basis of scarcity and
intractable problems, rather than for integrated programmes. It is seen as resulting in a
fragmentation of efforts to provide solutions, and ignorance of local wisdom, which recognises
problems as intertwined, and as symptoms of the breakdown of a community's problem-solving
capacity.
5. ABCD as an assertion of capacities-focused development
The emphasis on strengths is viewed as one way that communities can redefine
solutions as products of collaborative action, and refocus on the potential of existing capacity.
They note that entrenched power differentials, intrusive ideology and varying levels of
commitment to the process may frustrate effective communication in a community.
6. ABCD as an application of assets-based approaches
The emphasis on assets is also expected to motivate and unify residents through the
development of a positive perception of the community, and through the public affirmation of
capacity.
7. ABCD as an application of social capital theory
This diversification of social networks is viewed as stimulating economic activity, which
in turn generates opportunities to increase and further diversify stocks of social capital. Thus
the development process is sustained and scaled-up while continuing to recognise local
associations as the driving force.
These seven premises form the conceptual basis for the following review. The principles
and methods of ABCD, as well as various theoretical and practical issues related to this
approach, are discussed in connection with the current development literature. The discussion
focuses in particular on the implementation of the ABCD approach in international
development.
Methodological Framework
Five of the seven premises above were chosen to form the methodological basis for the
research and analysis of the case study. In particular, it is ABCD as an application of social
capital and asset theories, as opportunity-driven and community-driven development, and as
an expression of civil society activity.

Conclusion
This thesis presents a case study of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) as applied in
the context of a developing country, and its analysis in relation to some of the theory premises
and the broader development literature. The research, conducted on the island of Mindanao in
the Philippines, describes how to implement the ABCD model and adapt it to local conditions.
The results indicate that the ABCD intervention led to improvements within the case study
population , particularly with regard to community expansion facilities, livelihood options, and
household income and individual and collective motivation and community pride.
Overall, this study endorses ABCD as an effective development approach in developing
countries, while highlighting issues associated with its implementation. It also raises questions
about three global development issues that emerged throughout the study, namely capacity
development, governance of social processes and the importance of Empowerment.