Dissertation (MA Public Administration)This study aimed to examine community participation in the decentralized management of water projects in Tanzania, in order to improve citizen participation in rural water projects and make those projects community owned and sustainable. Specifically this study focused on examining the nature and influence of local people participation in rural water projects at Chimala ward; assessing the approach and means of involving citizen in decision making and examining factors enhancing and influencing participation and the challenges in local government authorities. This study employed a case study design where both qualitative and quantitative approach were used to gather in-depth information. The study involved administered questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussion and documentary reviews. The study employed 70 respondents comprising of administrative unit and beneficiaries in Mbarali district. The study observed that participation is important in development because it stimulates a sense of ownership and project sustainability. Also, it was observed that citizens are involved to participate in decision making during planning and implementation through village meetings. General indication was that citizen participation is influenced by community needs. The challenges observed in citizen participation are associated with resource based problems. Despite their participation in water projects it was found that citizens are not aware of their responsibilities and that they are not making fully contribution for water projects due to lack of citizen awareness. The study recommended that, government and other stakeholders have a big role to influence and enhance community participation and help to create sustainability of rural water supply projects.