Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD): Path to Sustainable Empowerment

Abstract

The idea, tenets, and methods of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) are examined in this article as a substitute for conventional needs-based development methodologies. To promote inclusive and sustainable development from within, ABCD focusses on utilising the relationships, resources, abilities, and capabilities that already exist within communities, particularly those in economically disadvantaged areas. Based on a relationship-driven and participatory philosophy, ABCD lessens dependency on top-down interventions and outside assistance by empowering local communities to assume collective responsibility for their development and well-being. In addition to assessing ABCD's fundamental ideas and facilitation procedures, the study describes the political and historical background that led to its creation and emphasises important components including asset mapping, narrative collection, and vision development. It also talks on the difficulties and inconsistent results of implementing ABCD, especially the conflict between internal empowerment and outside assistance. In the end, ABCD is shown as a viable paradigm for building resilient, independent communities by applying domestically targeted tactics that prioritise community-led transformation, dignity, and connectedness.