Purpose – The purpose of this article is to present the results of research carried out by the research group on human security and local human development of the Hegoa Institute since 2007. It aims to further the understanding of the processes of local human development, proposing analytical categories for this purpose and showing their application to the study of concrete cases. Design/methodology/approach – To this end the experiences of the reconversion of the sugar industry of Holguín (Cuba) and the development of the Saharan population in the refugee situation of the Tindouf camps were selected. The methodology applied includes three dimensions. On the one hand, the analytical framework, which includes a comprehensive framework of local human development processes. Furthermore, research techniques applied have been qualitative techniques considering them the best approach to study the complexity of social processes. Finally, the paper contrasts the opinions and views expressed in research with the results obtained during evaluations conducted by the institutions responsible for implementation, as well as bibliography of reference. Findings – Main conclusions refer to the collective capacity of the two societies to take control of their development model, the collective capacity of resilience and to the contradictions in processes of appropriation of local human development. Originality/value – This work synthesises and sets out the main conclusions drawn both from analysis of the latest approaches to the theoretical framework of human development, and from the two case studies dealt with in the field work.
