Community Participation In Development Projects Research Articles

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.

Enhancing Community Participation in Local Development Projects: The Bangladesh Context

This paper focuses on developing an approach for effective community participation in local development projects. Researchers conducted a field study in Sunamganj district, one of the most vulnerable areas in Bangladesh, and collected information from 54 respondents, including Union Parishads (UP) chairpersons and members, secretaries, committee members, and local beneficiaries through interviews and FGDs using purposive sampling. Researchers also collected relevant documents from the Union Parishad (project plan, evaluation report, and annual progress report) to compare the information obtained from the participants in the field and analyzed them using the thematic analysis method. Study findings revealed that although UP is considered a close-knit community-based organization due to the nature of its development work and geographic location, inclusive decentralization and a democratic environment have not been established at the local level institutions to enhance meaningful community participation in development projects. This deficiency is attributed to outsider interferences, nepotism, lack of knowledge and information, top-down bureaucratic decisions, gender discrimination, and corruption. It is believed that the model of a meaningful decentralized participation system would help mobilize the comprehensive local development process.

Social protection, community participation and state‐citizen relations: Evidence from a cash transfer program in south‐central Somalia

AbstractWe investigate whether social protection programs can increase participation in community‐driven development programs and examine how this affects state‐citizen relations. Using a randomized controlled trial in south‐central Somalia, we study the impacts of one‐time unconditional cash transfers to vulnerable households that were specifically designed to encourage participation in community development. While the cash transfer is relatively small as a share of annual household expenditure, it is more than sufficient to cover households' anticipated community development contributions. The transfers were funded by an NGO but delivered through state institutions. We collect survey data before and after the intervention with almost 600 individuals eligible to receive cash transfers. We find no substantial differences in participation in community development projects for cash transfer recipient households relative to non‐recipient households. However, we do find positive impacts of the cash transfers on citizen perceptions of clan elders and the local government. Our findings suggest that relatively small social protection interventions may face challenges in increasing vulnerable households' participation in community development and decision‐making, while also highlighting potential positive spillover effects for state‐citizen relations and beliefs about the capacity of local institutions where states institutions are involved in program delivery, even if they do not finance the program.

Youths’ Participation in Community Development Project in Ibadan Oyo State

The lack of attention given to youth participation in community development projects has hindered the progress of development in many communities. Despite their valuable contributions, which include physical strength, mental capabilities, and exposure, the efforts of young people are often disregarded, and their voices go unheard. The objective of this research was to evaluate the level of participation of youths in community development projects in Ibadan, Oyo State research study employed a descriptive survey research design to gather information on the participation of youth organizations in community development projects/programmes in Ibadan, Oyo State. The population of this study comprised all the estimated sample for this study is 320. A multi-stage sampling procedure was utilized to determine the sample size. In the first stage, two local governments, namely Ibadan North and Akinyele, were purposively selected within the Ibadan metropolis. In the second stage, four communities were randomly chosen from each of the selected local government areas: Agbowo, Bodija, Yematu, and Mokola from Ibadan North, and Moniya, Ojoo, Orogun, and Idi-Ose from Akinyele and 40 respondents were selected from each of the selected communities on whom were administered a self-structured questionnaire, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicated a moderately high level of participation of youths in community development projects in Ibadan. Based on these findings, it is recommended that community leaders recognize and strengthen the involvement of youths. This would encourage greater sense of belonginess in and sustainability of community development projects and overall community progress.

Environmental factor as predictors of citizens’ participation in development activities in Ogbomoso town, Oyo state, Nigeria

The involvement of citizens in developmental endeavors is crucial to achieving rapid and enduring progress. However, the social context often displays varying attitudes that impact community participation. Despite numerous studies on citizen engagement, there is a shortage of research on how different environmental factors influence involvement in community development. This study, investigated the environmental factors that could predict citizens’ participation in developmental activities in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. The descriptive survey research design was adopted. The simple random sampling was used to select 100 respondents from the community of Ogbomoso North Local Government. The data was analysed using the descriptive statistics of percentage, frequency count and inferential statistics of multiple regression. Environmental factors (leadership impact and involvement in community groups) jointly influenced citizens’ participation in development activities (R = 0.46, p<0.05). These factors accounted for 0.20% of the total variance in citizens’ participation in development activities. The relative contribution of the variables is as follows; Leadership impact (β= 0.36; t = 3.59; p < 0.05) and Involvement in community groups ((β= 0.17; t = -1.68; p >0.05). The result showed that citizens participate in development activities irrespective of their involvement in community groups and leadership greatly influences citizens’ participation in developmental activities. Since leadership determines peoples’ participation in community development projects, it is recommended that community leaders should be exemplary in discharging their duties and also visualise projects that are need-based.

Socio-Economic Factors and Youth Participation in Community Based Projects in Wajir County, Kenya

Purpose: This study focused on socio-economic factors influencing youth participation in community based projects in Wajir County. Specifically the study was anchored on the following specific objectives; Level of Education, Governed policy and Cultural practice
 Methodology: The researcher adopted a descriptive survey design. The study focused the on 900 registered youth groups operating across Wajir County. Simple random sampling Technique was employed to select the study sample. A sample of 171 respondents participated in the study. Data was collected by use of questionnaires distributed via drop and pick method. Quantitative data was scrutinized by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentages. The data was presented in form of tables, graphs, and pie charts. Correlation analysis was used to expose the strength of the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Regression analysis was employed to expose the relations relationship between the level of Education, Governed policy and Cultural practices and youth participation in community development projects in Wajir County, Kenya
 Results: Results highlighted a significant positive relationship between the dependent variables and the independent variable. Specifically, the study revealed that; Education is the biggest and the most sustainable catalyst towards youth participation and inclusion in community projects; Age for obtaining ID; Patriarchal social systems and lack of political good are the major setbacks of youth involvement in community development projects; Cultural practices such as FGM, ‘Negotiated democracy’ are anti-youth progress thus, responsible for the low youth participation in community development projects; On the contrary the study found that the youth in Wajir county affirmed themselves as a change force unlike their elders view
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: the study recommended that; both the national and county governments work together towards the global goal of universal education; that the Government relooks on the Age of obtaining ID’s with a view to lowering the number of years required. This is to give the youth identity thus securing an earliest opportunity to participate in both economic and democratic processes such as elections promoting youth inclusion. The government should up its game on advocacy in regard to youth inclusion and in development.

Assessment of Cultural factors Influencing Youth Participation in Community Development Projects in Turkana County-Kenya

The interplay of local and international cultures enhances people’s ability to adapt to external influences of sustainable action that can support sustainable global development programs and processes. Traditionally, Turkana society has well-defined gender roles that appear to contradict inclusive and participatory approaches determined by government projects and interventions. Furthermore, young people are looking for more economic opportunities and more property rights; however, their participation in community development projects remains low compared to that of older people. The study sought to assess the influence of culture ​​on youth participation in community development projects. Data were collected from a sample of 381 respondents using descriptive design research methods. The study revealed that gender roles and hierarchical interpersonal relationships in the local community are major impediments towards community participation in development projects. The author recommends that the central role of youth in participatory planning should be promoted through the creation of enabling environments that would adopt a holistic approach to addressing the political and sociocultural needs of the youth

‘Participation—with what money and whose time?’ An intersectional feminist analysis of community participation

Abstract The paper presents the results of community-based participatory action research that evaluated the quality and extent of resident participation in community development projects initiated by a network of non-profit and public agencies in a lower-income, racialized neighbourhood in Toronto. The paper examines dynamics of community engagement and volunteer participation in relation to the socio-political context of neoliberal urban development within which they unfold. Against this backdrop, the paper discusses processes of normalization and the mainstreaming of a technocratic or instrumental approach to community engagement. The paper argues how this instrumental approach extracts volunteer participation from residents to meet short-term organizational targets while offering no genuine opportunity for residents to co-create long-term, meaningful solutions to community needs and priorities. Such short-term, ‘band-aid’ community engagement and capacity building projects contribute to a crisis of trust between residents and the non-profit agencies. The paper presents a community engagement continuum mapping indicators for technocratic and extractivist community engagement in contrast to indicators for transformative and empowering processes.

Perceived benefits and barriers to community participation in development projects – The case of Hazina ya Maendeleo ya Pwani on the Kenya coast

Benefits and barriers to participating in community development projects as perceived by participants were studied in coastal counties of Kenya through a World Bank-funded initiative known as Hazina ya Maendeleo ya Pwani (HMP). Primary data were collected from 326 randomly selected HMP beneficiaries using questionnaires. Data analysis using SPSS prioritized perceived benefits of participation as: acquisition of additional financial support (94 %); development of new skill (90.8 %); enhanced ability to meet own individual needs (90.8 %); development of valuable professional relationships (90.8 %); acquisition of useful knowledge (84.2 %); increased utilization of own expertise (77.9 %) heightened public profile (77.2 %); ability to contribute to community (71.9 %); ability to have greater impact (68.8 %); and enhanced ability to effect public policy (49.1 %). Perceived barriers were prioritized as: feeling unwelcome (89.4 %); lack of information or not knowing (87.9 %); feeling unable to make a difference (87.9 %); demanding work schedule at home or office (69.7 %); inadequate transportation (50.8 %); and concern for safety (43.2 %). The study concluded that while the perceived benefits still strengthen the argument for active involvement of communities, development practitioners need to incorporate “what’s in it for me?” as an incentive for participation in future. They should also develop context-specific strategies to overcome participation barriers.

Determinants of Women’s Participation in Community Development Projects in Mandera County, Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate the determinants Of Women Participation In Community Development Projects In Mandera County, Kenya. Methodology: Descriptive survey research design was used. The target population of the study was est. 10,000 eligible women involved in various projects in the six (6) constituencies across Mandera County. A simple random sampling and a total of 207 respondents selected as the study sample. Primary data was collected via questionnaires issued by drop and pick method. Quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The data was presented in form of tables, graphs, and pie charts. Correlation analysis was conducted to assess the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Regression analysis was employed to establish factors determining women's participation in community development projects in Mandera County, Kenya. Results: The study concludes that socio-cultural practices, education and political factors have a direct influence on women participation in community-based projects. Specifically, Socio cultural practices and politics were found to be the major impediments to women participation in community projects while education was found to be an impetus. The study calls for government to fast track implementation of the existing legal framework against retrogressive socio-cultural practices such as FGM and early marriages, to enact more laws that promote and guarantee women and other minority groups' education and inclusion in running of both the private and the public sector. Unique Contribution to Theory and Practice: Further studies were recommended on impediments of actualization of gender equality in political leadership in in Kenya. A replication of this study is recommended but in different communities across the country and in both the African and Asian continents. This is to inform generalization of this study findings.

Participation in Community Development Micro Projects in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: Implications for Social Work Education and Practice

This study sought to investigate factors militating against community participation in development projects executed under the Micro Projects Programme and how to reduce such factors to the barest minimum in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. A questionnaire, an in-depth interview (IDI) guide and a focus group discussion (FGD) guide were used for data collection. Borehole water, generator-house, health centres, staff quarters and markets were the projects executed. Inadequate devolution of power to the grassroots, among others, was the major problem that hindered involvement of community members in the development process of the Micro Projects Programme in the study areas. To enhance active participation of beneficiaries in the development process of the programme, suggestions are proffered.

An Assessment of Rural Youth Participation in Community Development Projects in Turkana South Sub-County: An Approach to Community Development and Sustainable Development

The integration of local and international cultures enhances people’s ability to adapt to external influences of sustainable aid and sustainable development programs and processes. The study was conducted in Turkana, where government intervention on projects was made with deliberate efforts to implement inclusive development projects. Traditionally Turkana society has well-defined gender roles that appear to contradict inclusive and participatory approaches determined by government projects and interventions. The study sought to establish a legitimate influence on youth participation and to assess the impact of cultural norms on youth participation in community projects. The study used a descriptive design and targeted 47,359 young people. The study used Krejecie and Morgan’s table and an equally divided sample procedure to obtain a sample of 381 respondents in the study. Research has shown that educated youth will speak well and seek citizenship, and show that the standard of formal education is negatively correlated (-0251) with youth participation in project planning and community development projects (-0.094) respectively, barriers to youth participation in project planning are not limited to learning and training. Therefore political, institutional, financial and technical factors played out in determining whose voice is heard and which decisions are acceptable. There was an inconsistent balance (-0.109) between gender roles and participation in community project planning meetings and gender issues consideration in community projects, respectively. A negative correlation (-0.14) between age and meeting planning has been revealed which means that the patriarchal values ​​system in rural areas favours gender roles and traditional cultural practices ​​that oppose the development, advancement and participation of women in community development.

Benefits and barriers to women’s participation in ecotourism development within the Kakum Conservation Area (Ghana): Implications for community planning

ABSTRACT Women’s participation in community development projects is now essential as it helps to promote inclusive development and decentralized development planning. This paper assesses the perceived benefits and barriers to women’s participation in ecotourism development and their implications for community planning at the Kakum Conservation Area (KCA). Using questionnaires, a total of 169 women from four selected communities within the KCA were sampled through a cluster sampling technique. The women were found to have perceived that the KCA project has yielded more environmental benefits than socio-cultural and economic benefits. They were uncertain as to whether the constraints inhibiting their participation were cultural or personal but were certain on operational and structural barriers. To address the situation, the Ghana Tourism Authority and the District Assemblies in the area should ensure the proper functioning of the decentralized planning structures for women to participate well and obtain the necessary benefits therein.

Community Participation in Development Projects: A Study of Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District in Ghana

This study accessed the extent of community participation in development projects within the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District of Ghana. Development projects selected were water systems, market structures and KVIP’s. This was a descriptive survey research design which used semi-structured interviews, a focus group discussion guide and observation checklist to gather data from 72 respondents from six selected communities within the districts. The findings indicate that both Development Agencies and beneficiaries ‘participated’ in the development projects as a means to an end. The end to the Development Agents was to meet externally induced welfare targets and to the communities, the end being meeting immediate socio-economic deficiencies. Both choose a course of action that best suited their interest, as explained by the rational choice theory. Participation in the district is functional. It is recommended that the District Assembly should sensitize the communities on their roles as channels in the decentralization process to encourage them to fully participate in the development process. Additionally, development Agents empower the communities to make project sustainability a possibility.

Health Status of Widows as a Correlate of Their Participation in Community Development Projects in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to examine the health status of widows and investigate its effect on their participation in community development projects.
 
 METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the widows and non-widows in six communities out of the 18 communities in Nsukka local government area of Enugu state, Nigeria from 15 January to 29 March 2019. The respondents were tested clinically based on the following health indices; blood pressure, blood sugar level, malaria parasite and typhoid. The widows were also asked the extent to which their health conditions affect their participation in community development projects. 
 
 RESULTS: The mean blood pressure level of the widows is 160.2100.4Mm/Hg  while their mean blood sugar level is 129.8 Mg/dl. 55% of the widows tested positive to typhoid while another 53% tested positive to malaria parasite. Majority (72%) of the widows revealed that health condition such as poor eye sight; arthritis; rheumatism; high blood pressure; diabetes; malaria; typhoid; cough and ulcer limit their participation in community development projects. 
 
 CONCLUSIONS: The widows in Nsukka have a poor health status when compared to the non-widows in the region, which to a great extent, limits their participation in the community development projects available to them. Therefore, there is a very strong correlation between the health status of widows in Nsukka and their participation in the community development projects.

Local Leadership Styles and Community Development: A Study of the Irasa Community of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

The assertion that the leadership style exhibited by the community leaders influenced the participations of community members in development activities was examined in this study using Irasa community in Ado-Ekiti as a case study. An instrument tagged ‘Questionnaire for Community Members’ was used for this study. The instrument was administered on thirty randomly selected respondents in the community. Information obtained revealed that respondents believed that community development involved setting up of goals which are done jointly through the involvement of all stake holders. Participation in Community Development Projects was not regarded as mandatory hence offenders were not liable to punishment. Also, the in-flow and out-flow of information were not restricted by the leaders and their directives were not strictly complied with. The leaders respected and protected the self esteems of the subjects. The leaders recognized the subjects’ worth and esteems, based their actions on trust, integrity, honesty, equality, openness and mutual respects. All these were features of democratic or participative leadership style. In conclusion, this study revealed that democratic leadership practised in the study area lends credence to the assertion that when good leadership is provided the people participate voluntarily in the accomplishment of stated objectives.

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.

Attitude of Urban Dwellers and Participation in Community Development Projects in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

The study investigated “attitude of urban dwellers and participation in community development projects in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.” Three null hypotheses were formulated and tested. Literature was reviewed according to the variables of the study. A sample of two hundred (200) respondents was drawn from the population of two thousand (2,000). The respondents represented ten percent (10%) of the population. The research design adopted was the survey research design. The sampling technique adopted for this study was the simple random sampling technique. The main instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for data analyses and results tested at .05 level of significance. The result showed that there was a significant influence of perception, self-concept and corruption on urban dwellers participation in community development projects. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations were made that: The nature of urban dwellers perception toward community development projects should be considered.

Measuring the Level of Community Participation in a Demand Driven Development Project: Case of <i>Hazina Ya Maendeleo Ya Pwani</i> Approach in Coastal Kenya

While active participation of beneficiary communities in development initiatives is often considered critical, its value however, cannot be empirically determined without a good measure of the level of community participation. The objective of this study was to determine the level of community participation in the implementation of projects financed through a community grant facility referred in Kiswahili as Hazina Ya Maendeleo Ya Pwani (HMP). The HMP project adopted a Community Driven Development (CDD) approach in engaging coastal communities in development initiatives. The research was carried out at the Kenya coastal region comprising six counties namely, Mombasa, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu and Tana River. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive (frequencies, standard deviation and mean) with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The study revealed that there was a high (2.81) Community Participation Index (COPI) in the overall implementation of the HMP projects signifying a high level of participation. There was a relatively lower COPI during proposal development stage—an indication of lack of skill in proposal development probably due to the high illiteracy level among coastal communities. The study concludes that the CDD approach is effective in actively engaging communities in the implementation of development initiatives. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the CDD approach can be used to develop contextualized strategies of enhancing community participation in development projects. The study also recommends that to optimize community participation in development initiatives, the twin challenge of high levels of illiteracy and inadequate skill in proposal writing among coastal communities needs to be addressed by the County Governments, Non Governmental Organizations and other agencies involved in development work.

Extent of Rural Women’s Participation in Community Development Projects in Iddo Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

The study examined extent of rural women participation in four community development projects in Ido local government area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Three hundred and ten rural women were selected from 10 political wards in Ido Local Government area of the State and data were collected through informal interview guide. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean while chi-square was used to determine the relationship between women’s socio-economic characteristics and extent of participation in community development project (CDP). Scores were also assigned for participation of women and this was categorized as high, average, low and no participation. Findings from the study show that women participated at different levels of the project but the overall participation was low. Chi-square result shows that occupation, income and marital status were significant to participation in CDP (at 0.05 level of significance). It is therefore recommended that government should improve the occupational Original Research Article Oyegbami et al.; BJESBS, 16(1): 1-10, 2016; Article no.BJESBS.22976 2 condition and educational status of women so as to achieve rapid rural development and enhance women’s condition to local economy, household livelihood and improve standard of living.