Citizen Participation in Community-Based Planning

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the role of citizen participation in community-based planning with specific reference to the Borrowdale Ratepayers and Residents Association (BRRA) in Harare, Zimbabwe. Qualitative methodology was employed in the study and data was collected through key informant interviews. The key findings of the study were that there is little awareness on the role and importance of citizen participation in community-based planning. This is despite the fact that Borrowdale Community often experiences poor public service delivery and resource management where citizen participation would contribute meaningfully. The study concluded that citizens need to be aware of their role in community-based planning as this has a direct effect on service delivery. Local governance practices need to be transformed to reflect the needs and problems of residents and ratepayers.