Community Development Theory Research Articles

The right to be rural: Farm community development and social services in Zimbabwe’s resettlement areas

ABSTRACT At a time when practitioners and scholars are crystallized around reconnoitering the outcomes of Zimbabwe’s fast track land reform, focus on farm community development and social services in the resettlements is paltry. These communities were envisaged to be enablers and guarantors of rural and national development. Applying a Transformative Social Policy approach and qualitative methodology, the article draws on nuanced insights from the resettlement areas with the principal aim of advancing pathways for improving farm community development. The study shows that fast track communities are characterized by multiple and enduring lacunae in social services particularly schools, clinics, potable water, shopping centers, accessible roads, and reliable transport. However, the farmers are responding in agentive and innovative ways to reduce the challenges. This study enriches community development theory, and informs policy-makers on pertinent aspects that should inform policy and practice in relation to social services and development in resettlement areas.

The need for proactive environmental planning in local government: Examining challenges and pathways forward in Indiana

ABSTRACT Many factors, including regulations, community values, and economic and environmental considerations, influence environmental planning decisions. Across the nation, local elected and appointed boards and commissions are responsible for planning and land use regulations. However, few studies have focused on environmental planning through comprehensive and parks and recreation plans. Using Indiana communities as a case study, this research highlights the theory and practice of environmental planning and community development, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and the presence of social capital. Statewide focus groups found that communities integrate varying environmental planning processes into comprehensive and parks and recreation plans. As a result, these plans represent underutilized potential to guide conservation and collaboration. Integrating environmental planning into local government activities is limited by time, political will, and community awareness. As such, communities need continued support and resources to build social capital that leads to engaging with the public, decision-makers, and collaborators in meaningful ways to foster effective environmental planning.

Role of Social Capital in Community Development

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to explore the role of social capital in community development. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the role of social capital in community development. Preliminary empirical review revealed that social networks, trust, and collective action played crucial roles in enhancing community well-being and resilience. Through empirical research conducted across various contexts, it was found that social capital served as a catalyst for community empowerment, fostering cooperation and mutual support among residents. The study highlighted the importance of context-specific factors in shaping the relationship between social capital and community development, emphasizing the need for targeted investments in social capital-building initiatives to promote inclusive and sustainable development. Overall, the findings underscored the vital role of social capital in driving positive change within communities, providing valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Capital theory, Community Development theory and Network theory may be used to anchor future studies on the role of social capital in community development. The study contributed to theoretical advancements by enhancing comprehension of how social relationships influence development outcomes, refining existing theories, and highlighting the interplay between social capital and socio-economic factors. Practically, it guided practitioners in fostering social networks, promoting civic engagement, and tailoring interventions to community needs. From a policy perspective, it influenced the design of development policies by leveraging social capital for inclusive and sustainable development, promoting social cohesion, and addressing structural barriers. Overall, recognizing social capital's importance underscored its potential as a catalyst for positive change within communities.

Persepsi dan Implementasi Program Studi Pengembangan Masyarakat Islam di Indonesia

The development of community development science has been studied by Western countries since 1925, with a focus on social development and community welfare. In 1995, Indonesia underwent a knowledge transformation by introducing the applied science of Islamic Community Development, which combines social science and Islamic values. The Islamic Community Development program has been popular in Indonesia until 2023 but remains unknown internationally. The aim of this research is to analyze the perception of the program and the implementation of Islamic community development theories on society as the focal point of community development studies in Indonesia. This research is a qualitative analysis with a phenomenological approach and a holistic perspective. Data collection was conducted through focus group discussions, observations, interviews, and document studies. The results of this research analyze that: (1) The perception of the Islamic community development program, in terms of concepts, scope, and goals, still varies among individuals, thus requiring a comprehensive concept to align perceptions regarding the Islamic community development program.

Effects of Community Participation on School Infrastructure Development in Rural Uganda

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of community participation on school infrastructure development in rural Uganda. Methodology: 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: Community participation in rural Uganda positively impacts school infrastructure development by fostering ownership and ensuring cultural relevance. Local contributions reduce costs and speed up construction, though variable participation and limited skills can pose challenges. Strong community engagement is essential for the success and sustainability of these projects. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social capital theory, stakeholder theory & asset-based community development (ABCD) theory may be used to anchor future studies on the effects of community participation on school infrastructure development in rural Uganda. Establish regular feedback mechanisms through community meetings, surveys, and online platforms. Governments and educational authorities should formulate policies that support and mandate community involvement in all phases of school infrastructure development.

The Influence of Community Drought Risk Management on Community Development in Tiaty Constituency, Kenya

Climate change contributed to an increase in the rate of disasters, particularly those with meteorological origins. This study assessed community drought risk management strategies and community development in Tiaty Constituency, Kenya. The objective was to determine the influence of disaster risk reduction programs in promoting community development in the area, grounded in the Environmental Community Development Theory. A mixed-methods research approach was adopted, with a target population of 12,153 people. The sample size comprised 395 respondents selected using stratified sampling techniques. Statistical Analysis Software version 25 was utilized for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were conducted to offer descriptive features of the study variables, with quantitative survey data expressed as mean averages. The study revealed that risk reduction programs focusing on environmental conservation and sustainable practices contributed to the long-term sustainability of communities in Tiaty Constituency. It was found that building community resilience extended beyond disaster management and contributed to overall community development, aimed at achieving sustainable self-reliance. The findings highlighted the significant positive impact of drought risk reduction programs in aiding community development and resilience-building efforts. Based on the comprehensive findings, the study recommended prioritizing and expanding risk reduction programs, with a specific focus on environmental conservation, social cohesion, and community participation in hazard assessment, to inform planning and decision-making processes.

Cross-domain collaboration. Lessons learned from three different communities in the Netherlands

Introduction: Primary care in the Netherlands faces major challenges. Health problems are becoming more complex and care is preferably provided in one's own environment. Application of the concept of Positive Health reveals that non-medical care is sometimes the better option. The aim is for people to be self-reliant, if required in collaboration with informal caregivers or applicable citizen initiatives. We call it collaborative self-reliance. These challenges require reorganization towards a health care system in which citizens, health- and welfare professionals and policy makers collaborate. However, the development of such collaboration is context specific and challenging.
 Aim and Methods: We applied participative action research to identify success factors and barriers to develop cross-domain collaborations in care and support networks, including healthcare and welfare professionals and citizens. Three different communities in the south-east part of the Netherlands were included, a small rural village, a medium sized village and a multicultural city district. Researchers joined the three communities to closely follow the developments and provide support from September 2021 to November 2022. Data were collected through document analysis, observation and interviews. Our approach was informed by community development theory. Interviews were thematically analysed using the qualitative analysis software Atlas.ti.
 Results: Preliminary results revealed several important points of attention. As regards their collaboration, networks should formulate an ambition but also concrete objectives. Because the energy is in the action, the group must prevent it from becoming a discussion group only without taking concrete action to achieve its objectives. Nevertheless, regular meetings are necessary for continuation towards the objectives of the network. For the change process, next to a driving force, a liaison is important to facilitate cross domain collaboration. Knowledge and skills in change management improves the efficiency of the process. Furthermore, it is important to consider the ecological level that the network intends or needs to influence to reach your goal. To involve citizens, a sense of community is a prerequisite. In general, successful networks are not discouraged by not achieving a goal, they reflect and persevere. Final results will be presented during the conference.
 Conclusion: The development of care- and support-networks is a complex and lengthy process in which various barriers need to be overcome. Consequently, it requires commitment and perseverance of all participants. A driving force and liaison are important to keep the process going. Making sound collaboration agreements is valuable for sustainable collaboration.
 Implications: It is recommended to be aware of the socio-ecological level on which the network operates. Networks need to identify concrete objectives and invest in commitment of stakeholders to facilitate sustainable collaboration. It is relevant to identify quick wins at the start in order to conserve the energy and commitment of the group.

Structure of Labor: Toward a New Theory of Community and Economic Development

Abstract In the United States, the rise in income inequality and downward intergenerational social mobility since the 1970s represent twin problems facing community and economic development today. This paper proposes a Structure of Labor theory to apply at the local and regional level to address these development challenges. The objective is to provide a simple local approach to development that maximizes upward economic mobility and enables individuals and communities to achieve their development goals in the 21st century development landscape of the United States. The proposed theory fuses free-enterprise principles with state-planned dirigiste efforts to maximize the best of both theoretical perspectives. After reviewing pertinent literature and articulating the Structure of Labor theory, the latter sections of the paper explicate its implications for community and economic development practice.

Contributions of African Traditional Knowledge to Community Development Theory and Practice

Africa's capacity for developing, testing, and applying traditional knowledge is closely linked to its indigenous knowledge capacity. This paper explores the role of Indigenous knowledge in community development and the challenges associated with its integration into development theories and initiatives. Colonialism, which diminished the relevance of traditional knowledge and promoted Western development techniques, has left a legacy of dependency on Western knowledge systems. As a result, the contribution of Indigenous knowledge to community development and other developmental practices has often been overlooked. This study employs a quantitative research method based on secondary data analysis to investigate these issues. The findings highlight the significant potential of Indigenous knowledge in contributing to development efforts. However, various factors, including restrictive rules, regulations, standards, and limited funding for Indigenous knowledge research, documentation, and application, hinder its full utilisation. To address these limitations, this paper recommends the development of a clear research agenda for Indigenous knowledge, with articulated research objectives and expected outcomes. Additionally, the establishment of frameworks for validating knowledge within the educational system is proposed. These measures aim to enhance the recognition and integration of Indigenous knowledge into development practices, fostering a more holistic and culturally sensitive approach to community development.

Understanding community-led disaster preparedness

Community participation and leadership as a shared responsibility of emergency and disaster preparedness is receiving increasing attention. This paper offers an approach informed by complexity and community development theories to support, map and gauge community-led disaster preparedness. A review of existing research, theoretical debates and primary research with communities suggests community preparedness is supported by action across 7 domains: information, networks, communication, resources, decision-making, self-organising and inclusion. These dimensions are best understood as part of a complex system; that is, dimensions interconnect and adapt in non-linear and dynamic ways. The aim of this paper is to offer theoretical foundations for work that strengthens community preparedness.

AN ANALISYS OF COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT ON THE SME MITRA UMAT PROGRAM OF LEMBAGA AMIL ZAKAT BANGUN SEJAHTERA MITRA UMAT (LAZNAS BSM UMAT)

Community development through productive zakat could improve the economic state of mustahiks, particularly those with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This study aims to: (1) learn about the LAZNAS BSMU community development scheme; (2) understand the benefits and drawbacks of the Mitra Umat SME program. This study employs a qualitative approach with descriptive evaluative methods. Field research data collection techniques include observation, interviews, and documentation. According to the findings of this study: (1) Mitra Umat team from LAZNAS BSMU accomplished their program so well and managed productive zakat as it should and precisely through Mitra Umat SME program for the mustahiks who joined and participated in the program; (2) The mechanism of development done by Mitra Umat team LAZNAS BSMU suitable according to the theory of community development; and (3) Mitra Umat SME program based on productive zakat could give a good impact and welfare.

Italian community co-operatives and their agency role in sustainable community development.

Italian community co-operatives are the most recent evolution of the Italian co-operative movement. They operate to carry out community development processes, which involve the local population in the re-thinking of socio-economic models of local development. They also create business opportunities using local resources and assets with particular attention to cultural aspects, local environments, and people’s needs. Generally, these co-operatives expand the mutualistic benefits — typically shared among co-operative members — with other community members because of the common belonging to the same place. Therefore, community co-operatives develop “community economies” for the general interest. What is less known about this phenomenon is whether and how community co-operatives consider the sustainability of their missions and activities. Drawing on sustainable community development theory, this paper reports on a comparative study of 17 Italian community co-operatives based on semi-structured interviews with representatives. Findings show how members use the co-operatives as an agency to foster sustainable development in their communities.

Eksistensi Komunitas Srikandi Pasundan bagi Transpuan

The existence of transgender women (transwomen) cannot be taken for granted by society and even by their families because they have values and norms that are contrary to society. This thing make transwomen leave their families and environment and choose to join the transwomen community, one of them is the Srikandi Pasundan Community. The purpose of this study is to get an overview of the Srikandi Pasundan Community strategy in maintaining the existence of transwomen. Theory which used in this study, that is community development theory which put forward by Phillips and Pitman and social capital theory which put forward by Robert Putnam. Those theories could analyze existence of Srikandi Pasundan Community which is transwomen community started from background behind and position community, contribution of community for transwoman, impact of existence of community. This study used approach qualitative with method studies case for get results and analysis data. Technique collection data that conducted that is observation, Interview, and documentation. Results from study this showing that existence of Srikandi Pasundan Community have contribution and impact positive for transwomen and community.

The Role of Baitul Maal Wat Tamwil Financing and Business Coaching on Business Development and Welfare Improvement of Micro Traders in Traditional Markets

Research aims: This study aims to analyze the role of financing and business coaching in BMT (Baitul Maal Wat Tamwil). The role of financing and business coaching focused more on its impact on business development and improved welfare of BMT members who carried out financing. BMT members here were specifically from micro-enterprises by traditional market traders.Design/Methodology/Approach: Market traders used as objects were still micro-scaled in traditional markets in Purworejo Regency, Central Java. In this study, the obtained data that could be processed were 72 respondents from 18 traditional markets. Then, the analysis tool used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) – Variance Based. Research findings: The results of this study exhibited that business coaching had a significant positive effect on business development and welfare improvement of traditional market traders who were still on a micro-scale. The development of these businesses also affected the improvement of their welfare. However, BMT financing did not affect traditional market traders' business development and welfare improvement.Theoretical contribution/Originality: This study applied Community Development Theory and Constructive Perception Theory to BMT members' perceptions of business development and welfare improvement. The assessment of business development and welfare improvement was based on the respondents' perceptions, not on numerical standards that came from outside. It is hoped that in this way, the sustainability of the role of BMT towards its members will be more maintained and objective.Practitioner/Policy implication: An important implication of this study's results is that BMT's business coaching for its members, even with relatively small financing, will positively impact their perception of business development and welfare improvement. It can be used to create a better relationship between BMT and its members.Research limitation/Implication: The limitation of this study is that it only used the business coaching variable as a BMT coaching tool for its members. It is also possible that other variables can be used as a tool to maintain good relations between BMT and its members.

Leveraging strategies of recurring non-mega sporting events for host community development: a multiple-case study approach

PurposeThis study extends the event leverage model and applies the community development theory to explore how event managers can leverage recurring, non-mega sporting events for sustainable socio-economic development.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conduct a survey comprising 6 semi-structured interviews by targeting recurring participatory events in Japan with an average 37.7 years of history.FindingsThe model highlights the strategic objectives (community needs) for socio-economic community development by attracting tourists during both event and event-free periods. Social development comprises three factors: social capital, sport participation and health promotion. Economic development comprises two factors: event revenue and tourism revenue. To achieve strategic objectives, the uniqueness of the event, good relationships with the media and locals, a platform to enjoy the local culture and sport event infrastructure are identified as means (community assets). Furthermore, locals and media are added to the model as key stakeholders, an additional category of the event leverage model.Practical implicationsEvent managers need to make efforts to identify local resources and should optimize the event to attract participants and tourists for socio-economic development. In particular, local experience, local products, local culture and good relationship with locals could be key resources to produce sustainable benefits for the local city. The proposed model adding locals and media as key stakeholders could be useful for other similar contexts/future events aimed at socio-economic benefits for community development.Originality/valueThe proposed model extends the theoretical explanations in the literature on leveraging strategies through events to the perspective of the community development theory. Specifically, this study sheds light on community needs and assets for community development in the context of recurring non-mega sporting events.

Contribution of Social Entrepreneurship to Sustainable Community Development in Zimbabwe. A Case of Virtuous Women Trust Operating in Harare

The cross-sectional study was aimed at assessing the contribution of social entrepreneurship to sustainable community development in Zimbabwe using case study approach. The behavioural theory of social entrepreneurship and the community development theory guided the study. Mixed research methods were used guided by the pragmatist research philosophy. A case study was used with a sample of 80 participants selected from four farming communities in and around Harare using stratified random sampling and judgement sampling techniques. Data collection was done through questionnaires and interviews. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25.0 for quantitative data, NVIVO and thematic analysis for qualitative data. The findings indicate that there is limited knowledge of social entrepreneurship concept amongst research participants. However, there was greater appreciation of the sustainable community development concept. The findings also revealed that there are some challenges for the social entrepreneurship ventures and the communities that retard sustainable community development in the country. The study recommends proper information dissemination channels, more capacity building initiatives through specific grants to support social entrepreneurship organisations and the crafting of an Act that guides social entrepreneurship ventures independent of other NGOs.

Environmental Education: A Pivot to Healthy Environment and Sustainable Development in Nigeria

Contemporarily, man has undertaken a lot of activities that have adverse effects on the environment wherein he dwells. The effects of those activities became so intense that the health and hospitality of the environment began to degrade. In Nigeria, environmental health related issues are becoming a major concern of the people and the government with exacerbated environmental challenges such as flooding, air pollution, water pollution, oil spillage, deforestation, desertification, climate change and other environmental issues. Premised on this background, this paper analyses the situation, gives an open view to the matter of health, clearly discusses the subject ‘environment familiarizes you with the practical relationship between health and environment', and the concept of Environmental Education.The paper discusses the conceptual meaning of Education, Environmental Education and Healthy Environment. In addition, it established various ways environmental education will enhance healthy environment in Nigeria. The study seeks to identify and examine the impacts of environmental education on healthy environment in Nigeria; it established the nexus between Environmental Education and Healthy Environment. The data for this study were collected through secondary sources. The secondary data were obtained from textbooks, journals, newspapers, internet materials and literature from academic journals in relation to the subject studied. The paper explored thematic and the descriptive method on approaching the arising issues. The study adopted Community Development Theory as a theoretical framework. The paper concludes that health, they say is wealth; for any nation to experience sustainable development, her environment must be the kind that is friendly with her citizens; it must be free all forms disease or epidemics. To this end, the paper concludes by recommending various steps that could be taken to reposition the environment towards making it healthy and hospitable through the introduction of environmental education in school’s curriculum at all levels in Nigeria. Keywords: Education, Environment, Health, Environmental, Living, Development

Teacher-Student Reflections: A Critical Conversation about Values and Cultural Awareness in Community Development Work, and Implications for Teaching and Practice

This reflective, autoethnographic piece provides some insights into our involvement with a program that promotes a value-driven approach to community development work. As a ‘conversation’ between a lecturer and a graduate, or Educator of Informal Educators and Informal Educator, we discuss the process of teaching and learning about values within day-to-day community development practice. We emphasise that a value-driven approach enables informal educators to celebrate cultural diversity, which can be complex in community settings. As the educator of informal educators (Louise), I reflect on the need to explore and demonstrate what value-driven practice looks like in day-to-day practice within community work and not simply state that values are important. This was prompted by self-reflection and the realisation that my teaching failed to illuminate how to bring values to life in all aspects of community work to achieve anti-discriminatory, inclusive and empowering practice. As an informal educator (Matthew), I consider how community development theories and values translate into meaningful practice that celebrates cultural diversity. Reflections are influenced by theories from Paulo Freire, with a focus on his notion that ‘educators should respect the autonomy of the students and respect cultural identities’. An example of Freirean dialogue, the article discusses our critical consciousness through praxis as educator and informal educator. Acknowledging that we are never fully complete—we are always ‘becoming’—we hope the article will be of interest to both Educators of Informal Educators and Informal Educators alike.

The Meaning of Radicalisation in Modern Social Pedagogy

The article defines radicalisation as part of the processes of modern liberation, which are recognised in the interlacement of emancipatory potential in social pedagogy and mobilisation in the theory of community development. In parallel to this, we problematise the internally divided socio-pedagogical attitude, which, on the one hand, seeks to liberate, and on the other hand, is repeatedly caught in the preservation of existing “oppressive” power relations. In doing so, we consider the concerns regarding political action as the goal of “radicalising” social pedagogy, which indicate that in social pedagogy we have internalized collaboration as a democratic “norm” of solving social and other societal issues and thus accepted it as the only formally realistic option to achieve structural change.

Examining natural resource management through a community development theoretical lens

ABSTRACT The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a government agency that seeks to integrate conservation goals with farmers' economic goals through voluntary private efforts, particularly through its Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) program. Researchers note a lack of theoretical grounding in the associated body of literature. Therefore, a comprehensive theory of change was developed to guide a study of farmer adoption of conservation practices. The theoretical model incorporates factors from the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach and Community Capitals Framework (CCF). The purpose of this paper is to explain this theoretical model and discuss how it better conceptualized and operationalized variables that influence farmer conservation practice adoption. Because later empirical findings largely supported the anticipated causal hypotheses, the use of community development theory to understand other public programs that seek to achieve policy goals through voluntary, co-productive change on the part of participants is reasonable.