Participatory Development: The Case of Zimbabwe explores the concept of participatory development in Zimbabwe since 1980. It discusses the local government system which it identifies as the most critical public developmental machinery through which beneficiary participation can take place. The various structures and functions of the local government system are identified and discussed in relation to their contribution to participatory development. Other institutions of participatory development: political parties, non-governmental organizations, co-operative societies and other mass organizations in Zimbabwe are identified as providing alternative avenues for beneficiary participation in development.