Participatory development (PD) seeks to engage local populations in development projects. Participatory development has taken a variety of forms since it emerged in the 1970s, when it was introduced as an important part of the "basic needs approach" to development.[1] Most manifestations of public participation in development seek "to give the poor a part in initiatives designed for their benefit" in the hopes that development projects will be more sustainable and successful if local populations are engaged in the development process.[1] PD has become an increasingly accepted method of development practice and is employed by a variety of organizations.[2] It is often presented as an alternative to mainstream "top-down" development.[2] There is some question about the proper definition of PD as it varies depending on the perspective applied.