The Journey and Process of Poverty Alleviation in Peru: A Look at How the “Roundtables for the Fight against Poverty” Work to Cultivate Collaboration between the Government and Civil Society

Since 2001, many communities in Peru have been challenging the perceived hopelessness of poverty alleviation work through citizen initiated spaces known as Roundtables for the Fight against Poverty in Peru (Roundtables). Through these spaces, concerned citizens are organizing and participating in legally recognized forums for dialogue and collaboration between civil society and the Peruvian government. The purpose of this research was to explore what process factors helped and hindered the effectiveness of the Roundtables. This research took a case study approach using the paradigm of critical social research to examine Roundtables in two communities. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, participative observation, and document reviews. The research concluded with an identification of the main contributing factors being the members’ abilities to organize and be dedicated to a common goal while implementing structure within the group process that enabled the vision to be manifested. Hindering elements such as authoritarian leadership, closed or discriminatory communication practices, and issues of distrust greatly impacted both of the group process explored. The research also indicated need for increased organization of national and departmental Roundtables to support specific skill development to strengthen the contributions of all involved actors in the Roundtables as they work to alleviate poverty and decrease suffering in their communities