SOCI 202 Community Development and Social Welfare

Topic 3. Processes of Community Development

(Introduction to Community Mobilization)

Community mobilization is a process that involves engaging, empowering, and

organizing members of a community to collectively address common issues, achieve
shared goals, and bring about positive change. It's a fundamental concept in
community development and social work, aiming to enhance the well-being and
quality of life for all community members.
Community mobilization is a structured process which is based on the following
principles in order to achieve effectiveness

Key Principles of Community Mobilization

1. Participation- Community mobilization is rooted in the principle of active and

meaningful participation of community members. It ensures that the community is
actively involved in decision-making, planning, and implementation of
initiatives. Participation means that people are closely involved in the economic,
social, cultural and political processes affecting the development of their
communities.
2. Empowerment-The process seeks to empower individuals and communities by
providing them with the knowledge, skills, resources, and confidence to take
control of their own lives and influence the conditions in their community.

3. Inclusivity-Community mobilization values diversity and inclusivity by

ensuring that all community members, regardless of their background, have an
opportunity to participate and contribute in the economic, social, cultural and
political processes affecting the development of their communities.
4. Capacity Building-Community mobilization often involves building the
capacity of community members through education, training, and skill
development.
5. Collective Action-Community mobilization emphasizes the importance of
collective action and collaboration among community members to tackle
common issues and challenges.

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Steps in Community Mobilization
1. Assessment-Community development workers need to begin with a
comprehensive assessment of the community's needs, strengths, and resources.
This exercise helps to identify the issues that community members are
concerned about.

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 2. Mobilization-Develop a core group of motivated individuals who will take the
lead in mobilizing the community. They will engage with community members,
build relationships, and create a sense of shared purpose.
3. Awareness creation-Educate the community about the issues, potential
solutions, and the benefits of collective action. Create awareness to build a
shared understanding of the problems and opportunities.
4. Action Planning -This is collaboratively developing action plans that outline
specific objectives, strategies, and activities to address the identified issues.
Community members should have a significant role in shaping these plans.
5. Resource Mobilization- Identify and secure the resources, both internal and
external, needed to implement the action plans. Resources may include funding,
expertise, volunteers, and physical assets.
6. Implementation-Put the action plans into practice, ensuring that community
members actively participate in the activities and decision-making processes.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation-Development workers need to periodically assess
progress and adjust strategies as necessary. There is need to collect and analyze
data to measure the impact of the community's efforts.
8. Advocacy- Development workers often need to Collaborate with other
organizations, agencies, and stakeholders to gain support, share knowledge, and
advocate for the community's needs and priorities.

Benefits of Community Mobilization

Community mobilization is a dynamic (not a linear or static) process that recognizes

the potential within communities to drive change. It builds on the strengths and assets
that already exist and empowers individuals to shape their own destinies, improving the
quality of life for everyone in the community. Effective mobilization can realize the
following benefits:

1. Enhanced community resilience-Mobilized communities are often more

resilient and better equipped to face challenges and crises.
2. Enhances local ownership-Community members take ownership of
development initiatives, which leads to more sustainable and effective outcomes.
3. Improves the quality of life-It can result in improved social services,
infrastructure, and overall well-being for community members.

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 4. Empowerment- Community mobilization empowers individuals to take control
of their lives, fostering a sense of responsibility and self-confidence.
5. Enhances the accumulation of social capital- It helps build social capital by
strengthening relationships and trust among community members, which can
have a positive impact on community life.
6. Problem-solving-It provides a structured framework for identifying and
addressing local problems and challenges.
7. Promotes democratic participation-Mobilization also encourages democratic
values and participation, which are crucial for strong, inclusive communities.

A Brief History of Community Mobilization in Kenya

Community mobilization in Kenya has a rich history that spans various movements,
social issues, and community-driven initiatives. It has played a significant role in
addressing local community development matters.
Community mobilization continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of
communities, with a focus on addressing issues such as poverty, healthcare,
education, environmental conservation, and social justice.
Grassroots movements and community-based organizations continue to play a vital
role in building stronger, more resilient communities and advocating for positive
change. concerns, promoting social change, and empowering communities

1. The fight for independence-During the Late 19th and Early 20th Century,
Kenyan communities organized to resist colonial rule, fight for land rights, and
protect their way of life. Collective movements played an important role in this
struggle. E.g. the Kikuyu Central Association and the Maasai Association.
2. During the armed struggle (Mau-Mau Rebellion)-This movement involved a
lot of community mobilization and organizing to resist oppression, address land
grievances, and promote Kenyan independence
3. Post-Independence Kenya-(1960s)- Kenya embarked on community
development efforts to address issues of poverty, education, and healthcare.
Community Development Committees (CDCs) were established to mobilize
community members at the grassroots level to participate in various development
initiatives.

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4. The Kenya Rural Enterprise Program (KREP)- KREP, initiated in the 1970s,
focused on community-based microenterprise development. It encouraged
entrepreneurship and self-reliance in rural areas.
5. The Nyayo Era (1980s)- During the presidency of Daniel arap Moi, there was an
emphasis on community development, with the creation of Nyayo Development
Centers and Harambee initiatives to promote self-help and community
participation
6. HIV/AIDS and Community Mobilization (1990s and 2000s): The HIV/AIDS
epidemic led to community mobilization efforts to address awareness, prevention,
and support for affected individuals and families. Community-based organizations
played a vital role in this response.
7. Environmental Conservation-Various conservation initiatives in Kenya, such as
Wangari Maathai's Green Belt Movement, involved the mobilization of women
and youth to plant trees, combat deforestation, and promote environmental
sustainability
8. Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)-Over the years, numerous
community-based organizations have emerged, focusing on diverse issues,
including education, healthcare, agriculture, and women's empowerment. Many of
these organizations were formed to address specific community needs