Community Development Committees Research Articles

INFLUENCE OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMES ON SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN OGBA/EGBEMA/NDONI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF RIVERS STATE

The study assessed the influence of Vocational Education Programs on Sustainable Community Development in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The population of the study is 625 which comprised 445 Community Development Committee (CDC) members and 180 beneficiaries of vocational education programs in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. The entire 180 beneficiaries were sampled; while the proportionate sampling technique was adopted in selecting 25% of the population of CDC members to arrive at the size of 89 CDC members, making a total of 269. Three research questions were posed. A questionnaire titled “Influence of Vocational Education Programs on Sustainable Community Development Assessment Questionnaire” (IVESCDAQ) was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using frequencies, means and standard deviation. The findings revealed that agricultural education, craft education and building technology programs influenced sustainable development in the area of study. Based on these findings, the researcher recommended, amongst others, that Local Government Authorities should establish craft training centers in each local government to empower beneficiaries with skills that will enable them to be self-employed. The acquired skills will increase individual’s economic well-being and enhance sustainable community development.

Determinants of household waste disposal practices and implications for practical community interventions: lessons from Lilongwe

Open waste disposal has a negative effect on local ecology, economy, and public health. Understanding factors influencing waste disposal decisions is necessary for developing solutions to curb open waste disposal. This paper discusses the associations between household’s social demographic and spatial characteristics with preference for domestic waste disposal. The paper also utilizes this knowledge practical community action. This was achieved by gathering and examining a novel dataset of the waste disposal patterns of 200 randomly chosen households in Malawi. We observed that households were likely to dispose of their waste openly when the residential unit was closer to an existing open waste disposal site. A multinomial logistic regression model showed that the likelihood of choosing waste disposal methods, such as private garbage collection services, is higher when the household head is a woman, the housing unit is owned by the occupants, or in situations where a fence is present around the housing unit. We presented these findings to the neighborhood community development committee. A short-term community waste management plan was created using a participatory community planning approach. The plan included co-designing waste disposal solutions with landlords, setting up community waste bylaws, and intensifying civic education activities. In conclusion, our study provides insights into the factors that influence households’ disposal behavior. This unique case study highlights a potential approach for developing waste management policies using a bottom-up approach.

A Qualitative Narrative of the Lived Experiences of Informal Settlements Dwellers within Port Harcourt Municipality during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The formation of informal settlements is increasing rapidly, especially in some developing economies such as the Port Harcourt Municipality in Nigeria. These settlements are vulnerable to several urban challenges from natural and anthropogenic disasters, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The landscape of Port Harcourt Municipality is inundated with the proliferation of informal urban settlements especially around its southern fringes, which has engendered these settlements to become vulnerable to the vagaries of any occurring disaster such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study attempts to unfold residents' lived experiences in these informal settlements to get the narratives of their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of forty-one (41) informal settlements were identified, out of which three (3) of those settlements (Okrika, Nembe and Ibadan) were selected purposively due to ease of accessibility, safety and spread around the municipality. The study adopted the qualitative approach by applying semi-structured interviews with key informants in these selected informal settlements. A total of nine (9) key informants were selected, with three (3) comprising the head of the community development committee (CDC), Youth and Women representatives from each settlement were interviewed. In addition, photographs of these selected informal settlements were taken to depict the characteristics of those settlements. Content analysis was used to analyse the outcome of the interviews. Some key findings include poor orientation of residents regarding disease spread, no effective urban renewal scheme to improve residents' quality of life, no proper planning of those settlements and residents were not included in the planning of those settlements. This study recommends proper enlightenment of residents regarding the management of disease spread. The provision of sustainable measures that will build resilience and adaptive capacities for the dwellers and continuous urban renewal schemes to ensure the provision of basic social infrastructure that would improve the residents' quality of life. However, the study concludes that the identification and characterisation of informal settlements will provide a better understanding and knowledge of the settlements as a resource to improve the social and economic conditions of the dwellers, distribution of infrastructural facilities and services, and wealth, thereby enhancing the quality of life and wellbeing of the residents and the general urban affairs as this will equally present opportunities for proper urban planning and management.

Impact of Community Development Programmes on Leadership Capacity Building of Community Leaders in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

This Study examined Community Development Programmes and Leadership Capacity Building of Community Leaders in Bayelsa State of Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study comprises the 1,294 Paramount Rulers and Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairmen in the state. The simple random sampling technique was applied to select 200 respondents from each of the senatorial districts that make up Bayelsa State (Bayelsa Central, Bayelsa East and Bayelsa West) to realize a sample size of 600. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire. The reliability coefficient index of the instrument was 0.85. Three research questions were posed. They were analyzed using frequencies and weighted mean. The findings revealed amongst others that: cultural education programmes, environment/sanitation education programmes and peace/conflict resolution education programmes build the capacity of Community Leaders on cultural values for peaceful coexistence amongst others. Based on the findings, the Researcher recommended amongst others that: Paramount Rulers and Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairmen should recommend to the state government on adding peace education to the primary and secondary school curriculum as this would bring lasting peace to the various local government areas of Bayelsa State and Nigeria at large.

Exploring Private Sector Engagement for Faecal Sludge Emptying and Transport Business in Khulna, Bangladesh.

In Khulna, Bangladesh, mechanical faecal sludge (FS) emptying and transport (E&T) service is provided by community development committees (CDCs) and the Khulna City Corporation (KCC). Without considering capital expenditure and depreciation, financial analysis for one year revealed that a CDC-1 m3 vacutug made a profit of Bangladeshi taka (BDT) 145,780 (USD $1746) whereas a KCC-2 m3 vacutug was in the loss of BDT 218,179 (USD $2613). There is a need to engage the private sector for sustainable service provision. Some of the key elements of enabling the environment for private sector engagement are policy/strategy, institutional and regulatory framework, implementation capacity, and financial viability. Existing policy/strategy/frameworks acknowledged the need and suggested plans for private sector engagement, and decentralised authority to city corporations. With increasing private-public partnership projects and collaboration in the sanitation sector, capacity of the KCC and the private sector are increasing. Financial viability of the FS E&T business is primarily dependent on the number of trips and the emptying fee. For the E&T business to be financially viable, a 2 m3 vacutug should make six trips/day (internal rate of return (IRR)—13%, discount rate—6.5%) with an emptying fee of BDT 750 (USD $9)/m3. Despite the lack of operative guidelines for faecal sludge management (FSM), enabling the environment for private sector engagement in FS E&T business in Khulna seems favourable.

Climate change vulnerability and resilience of urban poor in Khulna, Bangladesh: the role of asset-based community development approach

ABSTRACT This article explores how the asset-based community development approach has improved the living conditions of the urban slum communities and have also addressed the house level poverty through direct asset transfer that can have positive co-benefits for community resilience to climate change. A broader and less restrictive design, which is qualitative in nature, has been adopted to produce arguments using the experiences of the members of Community Development Committees (CDCs) of slums of Khulna city. Considering the great flexibility nature of open-ended interview data, thematic analysis has been applied to identify and interpret the patterns (themes) related to the activities of CDCs. The findings of the aggregated thematic data show that while community-driven actions might not be taken with climate change adaptation specifically in mind, local community-based actions initiated by the CDCs of slums such as community-driven slum upgrading and collective savings schemes to reduce asset erosion directly contribute to broader resilience to climate change, by reducing exposure to climatic risk and also addressing internal drivers of vulnerability. The findings of capacity-decision-making matrix show that the CDC members do not possess equal capacity while managing the vulnerability through transferring the asset both at household and community level.

Towards greater collective impact: Building collaborative capacity in Cork city’s LCDC

Abstract Collaboration is an important means of tackling local socio-economic challenges. This paper looks at how the collaborative capacity of Ireland’s community development leaders can be improved. The most recent efforts to establish a more coordinated and coherent approach to community development saw the introduction of a new local committee structure, known as local community development committees (LCDCs). LCDCs were expected to enhance collaboration between public, private and third sector socio-economic partners. However, effective intersectoral collaboration is often difficult to attain. A programme of capacity building can play a key part in supporting collaborative working between local leaders. Based on the findings from a place-based leadership development workshop, this paper discusses the barriers to collaboration facing community development leaders and how these might be overcome. Surfacing and working through tensions to enable clarity, through enhanced mutual understanding and strong relationships across community development committees, is vitally important. To this end, a practical and evidence-based approach to improving collaboration between local leaders is argued for.

Literacy Education and Social Capital: A Study of Women’s Involvement in Community Development Projects in Southwestern Nigeria

The study examines the relationship between social capital and women’s involvement in a community development project; assesses the relationship between rural women literacy level and social capital leverage, and determines the interaction effect of literacy level and social capital leverage on rural women involved in community development projects. This research was conducted in Southwestern Nigeria using a descriptive survey research design followed by qualitative methods for in-depth analysis. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 720 rural women from randomly selected three states in Southwestern Nigeria. Moreover, we also conducted in-depth interviews with 12 women (6 each of literate and non-literate) who had indicated participation in community development projects and conducted a focus group discussion in each of the three selected states. The findings reveal that the most significant predictors of rural women involvement in community development are: participation in adult literacy programme; literacy level; strong interaction with people; membership of community development committees; participation in the decision making process and discussion of development issues with friends. Moreover, the number of literate women who made use of social capital to participate in community development is high. The study, therefore, concludes that the relationship between literacy and social capital is strong.

Towards greater collective impact: Developing the collaborative capability of the local community development committees (LCDCs)

Sciendo provides publishing services and solutions to academic and professional organizations and individual authors. We publish journals, books, conference proceedings and a variety of other publications.

Integrated Community Case Management of Childhood Illness: A Contextual Examination of Community Healthcare Delivery in Benue State Nigeria

Integrated community case management ICCM of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea at the community level has been a growing focus of community healthcare delivery across sub-Saharan Africa over the last few years. Increased morbidity and mortality of under-fives, as well as the growing financial burden of financing health care for childhood illnesses, has stimulated the scientific community to begin exploring innovative ways to achieve effective and sustainable disease management and control. Using the archival method of research as well as data gleaned from interviews of 300 community oriented resource persons CORP, 200 community development committees CDCs and 50 community healthcare workers in four Local Government Areas LGAs of Benue State, Nigeria; we note that community groups are a valuable part of any meaningful intervention and therefore building their capacities is paramount to ownership and sustainability of ICCM services. This paper argues that child health services are likely to improve when community platforms are enhanced through partnerships and effective collaboration. The paper adopts a vulnerability/solidarity framework that is sympathetic to the policies, social norms, gender roles and power dynamics that give rise to problems regarding the quality of ICCM services. It suggests a relational construction preceding the current practice of service provision to strengthen public health structures at the community level.

Legado de los programas de desarrollo ambiental participativo (PDAP) en los Andes: Lecciones aprendidas

Los Andes son un mosaico de tierras agrícolas productivas e improductivas, plantaciones forestales, bosques nativos, páramos, laderas, valles, humedales, lagos, ríos y quebradas. Los agricultores andinos dependen de estos paisajes para obtener una amplia variedad de servicios: agua, suelos, pastos, alimentos, madera, medicinas, deportes, bienestar cultural y equilibrio espiritual. Décadas de mal uso han afectado seriamente la capacidad de muchos de estos paisajes de continuar proporcionando estos servicios, poniendo en riesgo a las familias campesinas. Programas de desarrollo rural y ambiental que llevaron a cabo instituciones nacionales, internacionales, ONGs y algunas empresas privadas en las últimas cuatro décadas han ayudado a disminuir los riesgos de cientos de miles agricultores andinos, mediante la promoción e implementación de planes comunitarios y/o familiares de manejo ambiental de autosuperación. Motivados por estos éxitos, muchas organizaciones locales (corporaciones de desarrollo, municipios, ONGs y comités campesinos) crearon programas propios de desarrollo ambiental. Sin embargo, estos programas se enfrentan hoy a muchos obstáculos, incluyendo el paternalismo, la desconfianza, el debilitamiento comunitario, prácticas agrícolas y forestales poco productivas y ecológicamente hostiles, procedimientos comerciales desleales, programas de capacitación y extensión campesina ineficaces, la desigualdad de género, proyectos de infraestructura y minería dañinos, la lucha interna institucional, el crimen y la violencia. Este documento va dirigido a estudiantes, jóvenes profesionales y a otros futuros agentes de desarrollo. Les enseña cómo superar estos obstáculos, concluyendo que la mejor manera de promover el manejo sostenible de los recursos naturales en los Andes es a través del liderazgo bien informado y capacitado de comunidades de familias campesinas que habitan las tierras altas andinas.

Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility Practices on Neighbouring Society: A Case Study of NLC Ltd., Tamil Nadu

Right from its inception, Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) has been taking up various CSR projects and activities for the benefits of inhabitants of surrounding villages and the welfare of the neighboring society at large. In 1998-99 the Scheme for Building Social Infrastructure in NLC’s surrounding areas was regularized with the formation of Peripheral and Community Development Committee under the chairpersonship of the District Collector. NLC had adopted a full-fledged CSR policy in the year 2009-10. The vision to continue to be a socially responsible company and the mission to play an active role in the society and to be sensitive to the emerging environmental issues integrate the business objectives with the CSR objectives. The details on various CSR activities of NLC are given in this paper. NLC is allocating 1% of its profit after tax as annual CSR budget. NLC, as a Socially Responsible Corporate Citizen extended financial assistance for the relief and rehabilitation works.

A successful slum upgrade in Durban: A case of formal change and informal continuity

In situ slum upgrades implemented through community participation are widely considered global best practice in efforts to significantly improve the lives of at least 100 million shack dwellers. This paper scrutinises the process and impact of community participation in a slum upgrade in Durban. Based on data from an ethnographic study of Zwelisha, a newly upgraded settlement north of Durban, South Africa, this paper presents a nuanced analysis of the upgrade process and the role of community participation in achieving successful outcomes in terms of significant improvement to tenure security and wellbeing (as defined by Zwelisha's residents). The analysis shows that successful outcomes are intrinsically tied to the manner in which the upgrade process is implemented. The paper argues the formal changes that result in successful outcomes are possible only because of informal continuities; specifically, the continued and consolidated power and influence of the local community development committee following upgrade. While the paper frames the continuity of informal power relations as important to successful outcomes for wellbeing, the findings can also be read as a tale of caution of how the state's approach to community participation in slum upgrades may consolidate and legitimise informal power relations that may not be necessarily benevolent.

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

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.

Effect of community participation on sustainability of rural water projects in Delta Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to assess the effect of community participation on sustainability of rural water projects in Delta Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria. The study was concentrated in the rural settlements where water projects were executed. The community citizens were rarely often or always involved in the various stages of the projects as the community development committees’ executives represented the communities. In most communities, the water projects were funded by the respective communities and other bodies. Those counter partly funded were highly sustainable than those solely funded by governments. The various communities were mostly organized through formation of community development committees, weekly meetings and formation of social groups. There was significantly relationship between participation and sustainability of water projects (r-cal = 0.652 and r-critical = 0.632). It is recommended that the level of participation in projects should be increased; and the communities should continue with their methods of organization with more emphasis on regular conference and institution of sanctions/rewards to encourage citizens to participate in development projects. Key words: Effect, community participation, sustainability, rural, water, projects.

From Waste to Superbrand: The Uneasy Relationship between Vegemite and Its Origins

From Waste to Superbrand: The Uneasy Relationship between Vegemite and Its Origins

An Urban Community Development Case Description

One particular kind of experience of inducing change in communities is described. The setting is a highly industrialized urban area consisting of several local communities. A County Community Development Committee, composed of community leaders, has functioned informally for seven years. During this period they have addressed not only a broad range of community issues, but issues which have been of concern to the communities, generally, rather than anyone specifically. They have abided with their originally stated function of being an exploratory and catalytic group. Their objectives have been realistic, recognizing that total community development is the accomplishment of many organizations, groups and individuals, functioning in several different ways. Within this process their accomplishments have been significant.

Chambersburg: Its Record and Its Prospect: An Economic History and Inventory. Chambersburg Community Development Committee

<i>Chambersburg: Its Record and Its Prospect: An Economic History and Inventory</i>. Chambersburg Community Development Committee

Chambersburg: Its Record and Its Prospect. An Economic History and Inventory Prepared by The Chambersburg Community Development Committee. (Harrisburg, Pa.: The Archives Publishing Company, 1945. xi + 146 pp. Appendix, bibliography, and index. $1.50.)

Chambersburg: Its Record and Its Prospect. An Economic History and Inventory Prepared by The Chambersburg Community Development Committee. (Harrisburg, Pa.: The Archives Publishing Company, 1945. xi + 146 pp. Appendix, bibliography, and index. $1.50.)