Integral Human Development Worksheet

Integral Human Development DefinitionBy Suzanne Toton

CRS employs a holistic model of development called Integral Human Development (IHD). IHD is a framework and strategy that has a different starting and end point. It is informed by Catholic Social Teaching and is based on the understanding that development is a fundamental human right, not a gift or charity. In addition, development is not a technical problem requiring technical solutions. IHD’s methodology begins, not with what the non-poor wish to give the poor or think the poor need, but with poor communities themselves. It enables poor communities to identify their own assets, the complex environment in which they live, and to develop and implement strategies to strengthen their capacity to meet their own needs, live in dignity, and flourish in an atmosphere of peace and social justice. The relationship of the non-poor with the poor is shaped by the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity.

Assets: these are the tangible and intangible resources that people use to lead full and

productive lives to meet their basic needs.

Human and Spiritual AssetsPeople's knowledge, wisdom, skills (education) and

physical (health) and mental abilities together with their faith.

Social AssetsSocial networks, circles of support and ties to family,

tribe and friends.

Financial AssetsCash and income as well as investments, retirement

funds, livestock, crops and precious metals (gold, silver)

Political AssetsPower in the household and community, ability to claim

rights and capacity to advocate for resources and change

Physical AssetsOwnership or easy access to homes, land, wells, silos,

roads. equipment and tools.

Natural AssetsCommon and shared assets by the community

including water, wind, forests, soil, pasture land, minerals etc.

Integral Human Development Worksheet

Constraints

Shocks: sudden and intense events

Cycles: regularly occurring difficulties

Trends: positive or negative, such as the economy, environment, climate trends

Systems and structures within which a community works

institutions--legal, market, political, social & cultural

Structures -- political parties, churches, labor organizations, government, transportation and communication networks