This special double edition is based on the outcomes of a writeshop held in April 2004 at the Institute for Development Studies, UK. The writeshop brought together the Participatory Learning and Action editorial team and several previous guest editors to share their wealth of experience of using participatory approaches in their own particular field. This resulting double edition provides a timely critique of the current state of play in participatory development. And the question of ‘where are we now?’ inevitably leads to ‘where do we go next?’ 

From natural resource management, rights-based approaches and well-being, to literacy and communications, the 18 themed articles in this issue come from personal reflections and analysis. Each author speaks from her or his own field of experience. In all of the contributions to this special issue we find striking parallels in the lessons learnt and suggestions for ways forward.

 The 18 themed articles challenge us to see how we can work more effectively together, to build on the successes of the past and to engage continuously in a process of reflection and action towards social justice and an equitable future.