The author builds a case against 'development theory' and imperialistic state planning that disregards the values, desires, and objections of its subjects. Take small steps. In an experimental approach to social change, presume that we cannot know the consequences of our interventions in advance. The first rule of intelligent tinkering is to keep all the parts' Favour reversibility. Prefer interventions that can easily be undone if they turn out to be mistakes.
Irreversible interventions have irreversible consequences.
Interventions into ecosystems require particular care in this respect, given our great ignorance about how they interact. Choose plans that allow the largest accommodation to the unforeseen. In agricultural schemes this may mean choosing and preparing land so that it can grow any of several crops. In planning housing, it would mean 'designing in' flexibility for accommodating changes in family structures or living styles. In a factory it may mean selecting a location, layout, or piece of machinery that allows for new processes, materials, or product lines down the road.