Research conducted by several development agencies (World Bank, CIDA, USAID, IRDP) suggests that there are many benefits to be gained through the use of PD.Jennings, R. (2000). "Participatory Development as New Paradigm: The Transition of Development Professionalism". Community Based Reintegration and Rehabilitation in Post-Conflict Settings Conference. p. 3. These studies suggest that while PD projects may have high start up costs, they will be less expensive and more sustainable in the long run. These studies also found that PD projects are better at addressing local needs and are generally more relevant to local populations than traditional development projects.
