Constraints To Effective Community Development Projects Among Rural Households In Calabar Agricultural Zone Of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study focused on the perceived constraints to effective community development projects among rural households in Calabar agricultural zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire from 104 randomly selected respondents in the study area. Data analysis was by the use of frequencies and percentages. The study revealed that the following as the constraints affecting the establishment and maintenance of community projects in the study area: lack of capital, inadequate project inputs and incentives, delayed arrival of project inputs and incentives, high poverty level, frequent communal land disputes and clashes, high illiteracy level, poor road network, lack of storage facilities, untrustworthy government functionaries and corrupt practices. Based onthe findings of the study the following recommendations were made: community development experts should be involved in the developmental activities since they have the technical knowhow. Such technical know-how should incorporate a proper understanding of human behavior with respect to their emotions, disposition, attitude. Expert advice will help limitsome of the constraints affecting community development projects. Also favourable community development policy should be formulated to institute adequate participatory involvement of the grassroots in community projects so as to give them full sense of belonging.