A Dissertation Submitted in partial of the Requirement for the Degree Of Master Local Government and Management (LGM) of Mzumbe UniversityDespite the fact that participatory development process is given prominence in National development process but there is still low response and the concept has not yet been well institutionalized in the Tanzanian societies. The study title is the importance of community participation in development projects a case of Dodoma Municipal council focusing on Makole and Chang‟ombe wards. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the importance of community participation in development projects at local level and the study was guided by four specific objectives which were to examine the roles of local community participation in development projects at local level, to find out the level to which citizens are involved in decision making process concerning development projects, to identify benefits of community participation in development projects. To examine challenges influencing poor community participation in development projects at local level. The researcher employed case study type of design. Four methods of data collection were used which are observation, interview, questionnaire and documentary review. Whereby data was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively where by qualitative method based on explanations and quantitative method involve the use of calculations percentage and tables. Findings revealed that community participation was low influenced by socioeconomic factors, political-cultural factors also not understanding the roles of communities in participation .It was also revealed Communities were contributing financially, few were contributing through labour and materials hence it was concluded that citizens response towards contribution to development projects being poor. The study revealed that citizen involvement in decision making is very low and citizens are not aware of their rights, roles and responsibilities which was caused by lack of citizenship education, miscommunication between leaders also many citizens being illiterate. The study also showed challenges influencing poor citizen participation in development projects such as poor leaders (personal interest), ignorance also lack of dissemination of project related information. The analysis showed the benefit of community participation in development projects which were sense of ownership, ensuring value for money, foster development. The study concluded community participation is very crucial because it creates awareness among stakeholders on how funds are being used and get to decide on their wellbeing, also when communities participate transparency and accountability of the leaders increases hence having projects of quality standards. The study recommended that, there is a need to involve the community to a greater extent in decision making and development project, increase degree of trust to citizens, education and seminars to local leaders concerning community participation should also be considered establishment of active local civil society watchdog organization.