Human Resource Development As a Tool For Empowering Grassroot Communities For Improved Community Development Programmes In Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper is on Human Resource Development as a tool for empowering grassroots communities for improved community development in Osun State, Nigeria. It evaluates the various human resource development programmes organized by the state for Community Development Committees (CDC) and their impact on community development programmes of Osun State. A descriptive survey research method was adopted for the study. A total of three hundred and fifty (350) Community Development Committee members were randomly selected from six administrative zones of Osun State using stratified sampling technique. Human Resource Development Empowering Programme for Community Development Committee Members Questionnaire (HRDEPCDCMQ) was used, and was complemented with Focus Group Discussion (FGD) technique to collect information from the respondents. Four research questions were generated. The data collected was analyzed using multiple regression analysis, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and t-test statistical methods. It was discovered that Human Resource Development promotes in the CDC members the needed skills for problem identification, planning, monitoring, implementation and evaluation of community development programmes/projects. That HRD provides the satisfaction and motivation for the CDC to handle community development projects as their own project for improved community development programmes in their communities. It is therefore recommended that the government at all levels should encourage continuous development of the power of work in both the CDC and the change agents at the locality levels for improved community development programmes delivery in Osun State and Nigeria at large. KEY WORDS: Human Resource Development, Empowerment, Community Development, Grassroot.