What is asset-based community development (ABCD)?

Asset-based community development (ABCD) is a strategy that emphasizes leveraging the existing strengths and resources within a community to drive development. This approach shifts the focus away from solely addressing needs or deficiencies and instead promotes the identification and utilization of local assets, such as skills, networks, and community organizations. By doing so, communities can foster empowerment, resilience, and collaboration, encouraging residents to actively participate in their own development process.

This contrasts with other methods that might prioritize external investments or interventions without considering what the community already possesses in terms of human, social, and physical resources. ABCD encourages more sustainable growth, as it builds on the foundation of community strengths rather than solely relying on external solutions or centralized decision-making, which may not align with local contexts or needs.