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Despite 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. |
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