Community Development Projects Research Articles

Women’s involvement in Community Development Projects in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Women’s involvement in Community Development Projects in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Determinants of Youth Participation in Community Development Projects in Limuru Subcounty, Kiambu County, Kenya

Government policy had been geared towards addressing youth unemployment and enhancing participation in development projects. However, the effect of youth involvement in community development projects had not been substantial, posing a challenge to the youth, government agencies, and the community at large. The study examined the determinants of youth participation in community development projects in Limuru subcounty. Specifically, it sought to determine the effects of socio-cultural factors, education level, information accessibility, and access to finance on youth participation in these projects. The study was underpinned by Arnstein’s theory of community participation. The descriptive research design targeted 38,410 youth in Limuru subcounty with a sample size of 395. Stratified sampling across five wards, proportionate sampling determined youths per ward. Simple random sampling selected participants. Data was collected through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Inferential statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were utilized. Research in Limuru subcounty reveals that socio-cultural factors have both positive and insignificant effects on youth participation in community projects (β = 0.491, p = 0.110). Higher education levels positively and significantly impact youth involvement (β = 0.568, p = 0.000). Information accessibility plays a positive and significant role (β = 0.071, p = 0.110), along with access to finance (β = 0.568, p = 0.000).The study concludes that youth education level influences involvement in community projects. Awareness campaigns and advocacy programs are key in promoting youth involvement in community projects. The study recommends that community leaders and stakeholders should consider the effect of youth attitudes, perceptions and religious affiliations when designing and implementing development initiatives. County and national development programs should focus on promoting a positive attitude towards loans among the youth, while providing guidance on managing collateral and securing funding.

Challenges to Provision of Water at District Level by Local Government: the Case of Goromonzi District

This study investigated challenges undermining the provision of water in the Goromonzi District of Zimbabwe. Interviews were conducted on a sample of thirty respondents drawn from rural and rural-urban residents of the district to determine conditions that affect water provision at district level. Thematic and content analysis was used to analyse data. The findings reveal that some rural dwellers travel distances that exceed 2 kilometres to fetch water from boreholes, especially during the hot but dry months of the year. The results further revealed that some wells in homesteads dry up during the year, forcing the villagers to scout for water outside their villages. The Goromonzi Rural District Council bears the responsibility of constructing boreholes in the district. However, this task is shared between ward councillors and the local Member of Parliament who are expected to lobby for funding towards the constructing of boreholes in their areas of jurisdiction. The inflationary economy Zimbabwe is experiencing erodes the district’s capacity to implement community development projects, including borehole drilling. This study recommends the adoption of radical fiscal policies that could curb inflation, including the adoption of stable currency that is less susceptible to inflation.

Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation and Sustainability of Community Development Projects in Kitui West Constituency, Kenya

There are significant challenges faced by project managers in Kitui west constituency when it comes to implementing sustainable projects, in particular, the Community Level Infrastructure Development Program was aimed at promoting equitable development across the entire constituency through implementing small scale infrastructure projects. However, there was a partial or no realization of the envisaged benefits. The aim of this study was therefore be to assess the impact on sustainability for Community Development Projects in Kitui West Constituency, Kenya from Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation. The study was based on theory of sustainability, the ladder of participation, stakeholder theory, modern organizational theory and real assessment theory. Research was conducted using a descriptive design for this study. 10 projects that have been operational within 2016 - 2021 was the target population of this study. The researcher targeted 87 respondents comprising of 20 project management committee and 67 constituency development committee members. The study conducted a census of 87 respondents. The study sample size was 10 projects with 87 respondents. For the purpose of collecting data in this study, a questionnaire was used. The study tested the instruments in Kitui central constituency involving 8 respondents. Research instruments were assessed for content, face, and criterion validity. Reliability was measured using Cronbach’s alpha. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlation, regression). Results, shown in tables and figures, indicated that community engagement, capacity building, resource use, and communication positively impacted project sustainability. The study concludes that involving community members in project planning, implementation, and evaluation fosters ownership and empowerment. The study recommends that the constituency should involve community members in the planning and decision-making processes is crucial which can be achieved through community meetings, workshops, and focus group discussions where residents can voice their needs, priorities, and ideas.

General Characteristics of Eastern Indonesian Household Dietary Diversity Score

Household dietary diversity score (HDDS) is a crucial indicator of food security and nutritional outcomes. The data collection was done from 2017 to 2018 in Eastern Indonesia. This study aimed to capture the characteristics of HDDS based on district, province, religion, and head of household age. This study used secondary data from the Coastal Community Development Project (CCDP), IFAD Impact Assessment Survey 2018. The total sample of this study was 2,884 households. The HDDS was calculated based on the score of 12 food groups and presented in a bar graph using STATA version 17. The result revealed that the lowest HDDS was found in the Kupang district, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Confucianism or Konghucu Religion, and 15 to 25 years of head of household age. Household dietary diversity score is a critical measure of food security and nutritional status, reflecting a household's access to a variety of foods. Understanding and addressing these determinants are essential for improving household dietary diversity and ultimately enhancing nutrition outcomes.

Role of Public Art in Community Development

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the role of public art in community development. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicated that public art can act as a catalyst for community engagement, bringing together diverse groups of people and encouraging collective participation in community activities. It often reflects the unique cultural heritage of a community, helping to strengthen local identity and pride. Additionally, public art installations can attract tourism and investment, boosting local economies. They also improve the aesthetic appeal of public spaces, making them more inviting and conducive to social interactions. In urban settings, public art contributes to placemaking, creating landmarks and gathering spots that become central to community life. Moreover, it has been observed that public art projects can inspire local creativity and innovation, providing opportunities for local artists and fostering a sense of ownership and involvement among residents. Overall, the presence of public art in a community is a powerful tool for promoting social, cultural, and economic development. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social capital theory, place attachment theory and cultural policy theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the role of public art in community development. From a practical standpoint, integrating public art into community development projects requires a multifaceted strategy that emphasizes collaboration among stakeholders. On the policy front, there is an urgent need for governments to prioritize public art as a vital component of urban planning and community development agendas.

Age grade association: a non state actor in the sustainability of community development projects in Southeast, Nigeria

Abstract Age grade association is a pattern through which members of the community are grouped into batches according to date of birth. The associations comprise people of equal or about the same age operating within a given community with the aim of individual and collective development. The age grade associations articulate and mobilize resources for the execution of community development projects. They are grassroots agents that serve as an organ for the maintenance of peace, law and order in the community. Some past attempts at community development failed due to the non-involvement of the community members in decision–making processes. This study explored age grade association as a non state actor in sustainability of community development projects in Southeast, Nigeria. Data was drawn from 56 respondents. The instruments for data collection were Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-depth interviews (IDIs). Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed in selecting the study participants. The study sample was drawn from four communities in four local government areas of Abia and Ebonyi States. The study examined the nature of age grade associations; the contributions of age grade associations and the challenges of age grade associations in sustainability of community development projects. It established that age grade associations are grass root agents that executed and sustained community development projects. The study also found that project site selection is sometimes problematic and this has implications for project sustainability. The study recommends adult literacy education for the social and political empowerment of members of age-grade associations.

Education For Community Transformation

The Tanzanian Government has made several efforts to guarantee the accessible and equitable education to all children irrespective of their race, creed or sex. However, there are some predominant socio-cultural practices which are impediments to young women’s education. Using a case of Monduli district -Tanzania, this study explored the influence of socio-cultural practices toward schooling of Maasai Young Women. A cross- sectional research design was adopted to obtain a sample of 120 respondents. Data were collected using Questionnaires, Key Informants’ Interview (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) methods and analysed by using IBM-SPSS. 20.0 and content analysis. Overall, the study found that, Nomadic Lifestyle, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Early Marriages are tremendously affecting schooling of young Maasai women. While the two earlier mentioned practices were found to waste a lot of girls’ learning hours; the latter has been causing a substantial number of school girls to drop out. Subsequently the girls became vulnerable to illiteracy of which jeopardizes their chances to participate in community development projects as well as in decision-making process. The illiterate people are not always invited to participate because they do not understand the nitty gritty of their participation. In order to eliminate these harmful practices, it is recommended the government and other stakeholders to create or strengthening community awareness campaigns and capacity-building programs.

Enhancing equity in arts-based research engagement: Methodological considerations from a policy-oriented community-development study

ABSTRACT This paper provides reflexive account of an arts-based communication tool used for a community development project in Manitoba, Canada. Drawing upon an intersectional perspective of social, health, and environmental inequalities, the multi-phase engagement involved citizens (n = 17; n = 9) as well as global policymakers (n = 6) in healthy cities, age-friendly cities, and sustainable city policy arenas. A visual graphic was employed to foster bidirectional dialogue between concerned local residents and global policymakers, forming the backbone of a community engagement strategy. Reflective analysis demonstrates how art can be mobilized toward reducing inequalities while notable challenges remain—including omission of highly-sidelined perspectives amidst complex interdisciplinarity; potential reductionism leading to manufactured consent; and considerations of communities inherently excluded in a qualitative, arts-based community engagement. The impacts of art on power hierarchies, emotion, project efficiency, and privilege are reviewed, with the objective of supporting more inclusive arts-based communications in future research.

Factors Shaping Women's Involvement in Community Development Projects: A Case of Mvomero Water Initiatives

This study investigated about factors influencing women's involvement in community development projects within the framework of development initiatives targeting women. Specifically, it focused on water initiatives in the Mvomero District. The study utilized the cross-sectional design. The findings from probit regression analysis reveal significant insights, highlighting the influential role of various factors in shaping women's decisions to participate. Education level emerges as a significant determinant emphasizing the pivotal role of educational attainment in fostering women's involvement in community development endeavors. Additionally, marital status and family size demonstrate notable impacts, illustrating the complex relationship between familial responsibilities and women's engagement in such projects. Furthermore, income level and access to credit emerged as crucial determinants, underscoring the importance of financial resources in facilitating women's active participation. Moreover, media, awareness and government policies played pivotal roles in influencing women's decisions to engage in community development initiatives. The study emphasizes the necessity of targeted policy interventions aimed at women’s participation through enhancement of income-generating opportunities and awareness to foster inclusive development and growth, thereby contributing to the advancement of gender equality in community development efforts.

Evaluation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives on Stakeholder Engagement in Rwanda

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the evaluation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on stakeholder engagement in Rwanda. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicate that effective CSR initiatives significantly enhance stakeholder trust and loyalty towards the company. When companies demonstrate a genuine commitment to social and environmental issues, stakeholders, including customers, employees, investors, and communities, perceive them more favorably. This positive perception often translates into increased brand reputation and customer loyalty. Secondly, CSR initiatives contribute to improved relationships with various stakeholders. By engaging in socially responsible practices such as ethical sourcing, environmental conservation, and community development projects, companies build stronger connections with stakeholders. This engagement fosters open communication, collaboration, and a sense of shared values, leading to better long-term relationships. Moreover, study indicates that well-executed CSR initiatives can drive innovation and competitive advantage. Companies that integrate sustainability into their core business strategies often discover new opportunities for growth, cost savings, and market differentiation. Stakeholders, particularly investors, increasingly value companies that prioritize CSR, viewing them as more resilient and capable of long-term value creation. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Stakeholder theory, social exchange theory and legitimacy theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the evaluation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on stakeholder engagement in Rwanda. Encourage businesses to develop customized CSR strategies that align with their core values, business models, and stakeholder expectations. Advocate for robust regulatory frameworks that incentivize responsible corporate behavior and set clear expectations for CSR disclosure and performance.

A review of natural resource extraction industries and their influence on the occurrence of poverty

PurposeThis research paper takes a narrow approach to examining the apparent link between poverty and the resource extraction industries. However, it acknowledges that much more is to be explored about this relationship. Many complexities influence the occurrence and degree of poverty in a particular country, region, or community.Design/methodology/approachThe literature review identified proposed and operational poverty reduction actions and processes categorized under the broad concept of community development projects. The surveyed cases describe how various corporate strategies, work processes, labor requirements and efficient management and governance solutions are purported to improve poverty-reduction efforts potentially.FindingsNo causal linkages between poverty and hypothetically valuable and successful community development projects were found. No poverty monitoring evaluations and learning data (MEL) for these projects were proposed and published in most of the literature. However, associations were observed between some business practices implemented in these resource extraction community development projects and observations of indicators of lower poverty levels.Practical implicationsThe research improves our understanding of the requirements and opportunities for successful community development projects by highlighting processes, company strategy, human resource programs and enlightened governance that can contribute to reducing poverty.Originality/valueThe paper identifies the characteristics of community development projects that appear to span natural resource extraction industries and countries. Effective management strategies and representative and formally designated organisational governance boards are essential for these projects.

Like an Inflatable Raft on Rapid Tides: Barriers to Community-Gown Projects at an Emerging Rural University in Zimbabwe

Community-gown projects are primarily intended to address the multi-faceted challenges in the developing world where vices such as poverty and inequality are exceptionally high. These projects thus present developing communities and the Global South as a whole with a potential pathway to development because their proponents argue that they are aimed at helping stakeholders actively participate in building sustainable communities. It is contended that universities are strategically poised to deliver sustainable development goals through knowledge production, dissemination, and research by promoting active citizenship and fostering responsible actions. This study examines the obstacles to community-gown projects at a newly established institution in Zimbabwe. To achieve this, the study employed a qualitative research approach through which data were collected using interviews with students, lecturers, and deans involved in community development projects at the university. Essential insights included that undertaking community-gown projects were being impeded by financial constraints, infrastructural inadequacies, and issues surrounding community access and accessibility, among other factors. The researcher recommends that universities consider regular auditing of the impacts of their projects in host communities and also have clear-cut policies on funding and the regulation of community-gown projects.

Community Sustainability Through Sustainable Community-Based Tourism

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate how rural communities facing the problems of ageing population and lack of economic opportunities can be revived by adopting the approach of sustainable community-based tourism. Theoretical Framework: The study was guided by theories related to community development, placemaking, and community-based tourism. Method: The research used the case analysis method to analyze a community revitalization project in rural Taipei, Taiwan. Data were collected through field observation and interviews. The researcher was invited to participate in the related meetings and observe the practices of the community revitalization project. The researcher also interviewed the leader and volunteers of the community development project. Results and Discussion: It is found that a placemaking process mixed with top-down (facilitated) and bottom-up engagement approaches can effectively generate a sense of place among various groups of constituents. The research also found that it is critical to identify and leverage the cultural and ecological assets of the community in an innovative and integrated way so as to effectively connect the community and the society. To revive a community, volunteers played a mediating role in fulfilling the needs of the community and connecting the community with the society. Research Implications: The findings of the research can be applied to rural communities with similar problems and ecological/cultural assets. For policy makers, the study suggests that community revitalization requires an engagement process balanced with top-down (facilitated) and bottom-up approaches. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the micro-view of sustainability literature by analyzing sustainability at a community level through the aspects of community placemaking and sustainable community-based tourism.

The potential of student as partners approaches for humanitarian developments

This article explores the potential for students-as-partners models developed in the scholarship of teaching and learning and educational development fields to be expanded to new agendas such as humanitarian developments and other agendas related to the so-called civic university. There is a growing appetite for students and staff to work in partnership due to the mutual benefits for both parties (Mapstone et al., 2017), yet the majority of the published works on students as partners is almost exclusively reporting upon partnership activities relating to curriculum and wider student experience developments in higher education. This paper explores the literature on best practice for working with students as partners in order to create new recommendations for how the students-as-partners model can be applied successfully for community and humanitarian development projects, rather than curricular, teaching, or research projects By drawing on literature from student voice, student engagement in quality assurance, and co-design, this paper will highlight the great potential of student-staff partnerships for addressing other development agendas globally.

Role of Project Environment on Performance of Community Development Project. A Case of the Climate Resilient Post Harvest Agribusiness Support Project (PASP) IFAD-funded Project in Kirehe District, Rwanda

Role of Project Environment on Performance of Community Development Project. A Case of the Climate Resilient Post Harvest Agribusiness Support Project (PASP) IFAD-funded Project in Kirehe District, Rwanda

Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Rwanda: A Case of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) denotes firms’ commitment to conduct their activities ethically by considering their social, economic and environment effects. CSR can be vital for commercial banks in Rwanda in creating lasting corporate image that serve to benefit their financial performance. The present research examined the contribution of CSR on financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda using a case of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, located in Nyarugenge District, Rwanda. A descriptive and correlational research design was adopted using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population of this research was 125 employees from the bank and sample size of 96 selected using stratified random sampling technique. Data collection was done using questionnaire and interview guide. Secondary data was obtained using desk research from financial statements published by the bank. Pearson correlation and multilinear regression analyses were performed to measure the effect. The findings on employee trainings (r=0.233, p=0.022) was significantly and positively related to financial performance of commercial banks. Since the p-value was less than 5%, then the correlation was statistically significant. Similarly, charity work (r=0.283, p=0.005) and community development projects (r=0.475, p=0.000) positively influence the financial performance of BPR, since the p-value were less than 5%. All the indicator variables of CSR were seen to have positive effect on financial performance of commercial banks though with low correlation. The regression model (F=23.917, p=0.000) was statistically significant since the p-value was less than 5%. The researcher recommends that bank managers should analyze the viability of the current CSR strategies before launching new strategies. It is only after critical analysis that managers can use new CSR strategies. They should also make sure that any new CSR strategies are aligned to the overall mission and vison of the bank.

Action Research in Agricultural Development Projects: Case Study of a Dairy Project in Ethiopia

AbstractFor development projects, an action research approach is often encouraged to enhance participation of end-users or beneficiaries at various stages of the project to realize the desired social transformation in the target communities. The project under consideration in this study adopted action research for some of its activities. A review of the project action research activities was conducted as part of the strategic reflection for lesson learning and to inform modification where necessary. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess the relevance of action research approach to implementation of project activities and, (ii) to draw lessons for agricultural development projects applying participatory approaches. Fifty-one participants involved in the project action research activities were interviewed on their understanding of action research, its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and level of participation in action research activities. The perception of the participants interviewed regarding action research approach was that it is relevant and important for the project, and that it has provided a good platform for learning by all participants. Some key lessons from this study for development projects when applying action research approach include the need to focus on a limited number of issues or activities that can produce social transformation in the target communities, and the necessity of adequate planning for monitoring and documentation of learning by participants. From our study, action research is a pertinent approach in community development projects, but it should be well-planned to achieve the desired objective of social transformation in the target communities.

Impact of Community and Social Development Projects (CSDP) on the economic performance of Cassava Farmers in Edo State, Nigeria

Impact of Community and Social Development Projects (CSDP) on the economic performance of Cassava Farmers in Edo State, Nigeria

Corporate Social Responsibility in the Mining Industry: Exploring Perspectives of Host Communities in a Developing Country

This paper aims to explore the social and environmental issues that are of priority/importance to the mining host communities in a developing country-Ghana. To explore the social and environmental issues that are of priority/importance to the mining host communities in a developing country, this study used Ghana as a test case and conducted 18 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with respondents drawn from the mining host communities of Prestea and Bogosu. The findings show that members of the host communities–the group deemed to be the most powerful and legitimacy-conferring stakeholder placed pressure (i.e., expectations and/or concerns) on the mining firms that operate in the host communities in terms of their social and environmental performance. Five themes, i.e., general categories, emerged from the data of this study in terms of the social and environmental issues that are of priority/importance to the host communities: a prioritisation of community development projects, environmental/sustainability-related issues, employment of indigenes/local enterprise development, communication of social responsibility information and preservation of local culture and tradition. This study is an exploratory study based on only 18 in-depth, semi-structured interviews, i.e., using purposive sampling. The implication of this study is that because developing countries have similar socioeconomic, cultural, and geopolitical features, the finding of this study may be relevant to researchers and policymakers in developing countries where multinational mining companies (MMCs) operate. Although mining communities’ awareness regarding corporate social responsibility has increased in recent decades, to date, we know little about the social and environmental issues that are of priority/importance to the host communities of mining firms in developing countries.