Assessment of Community Participation In
Assessment of Community Participation In
BY
BABAGANA BULAMA
19/09/02/831
UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI.
DECEMBER, 2023
CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that the project entitled “Assessment of Community Participation in Rural
Development Projects in Jere Local Government Area, Borno State” has been Duly Presented
University of Maiduguri.
ii
DEDICATION
Projects in Jere Local Government Area, Borno State’’ to Almighty Allah, My Parent and my
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Master,
Creator, and Sustainer of all that exists. May His blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet
Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and his entire family. I begin this expression of gratitude
with praise and supplication to Allah, seeking His protection and guidance against all adversities
that may cross my path.
First and foremost, I extend my deepest appreciation to my esteemed parents, Bulama Ladan and
Zainawa Bukar, May Allah, the Most Generous, reward them abundantly for their selfless sacrifices
that have paved the way for my success.
To my teachers and lecturers, from the earliest stages of my education to my current undergraduate
level, I offer heartfelt thanks. May Allah, the Bestower of knowledge, reward each one of you for
being a source of light in my educational journey.
A special prayer goes out to my dedicated supervisor, Dr. Joel Mari Bwala. May Allah bless and
guide you on your path to becoming a Professor, and may His protection be with you always.
I extend my immense gratitude to the Head of Department (HOD), Dr. Yagana M. Aji, my Level
Coordinator, Mr. George Godwin Glanda and Student Staff Adviser Dr. Abdussalam Barkindo. May
Allah grant you success and fulfillment in all your endeavors.
To my respected lecturers, Prof U M. Maryah, Prof. J. K. Nyanganji, Prof. Muhammad Waziri,
Prof. A.K Monguno, Prof. John Abdullahi, Prof. Mohammed A Jimme, Prof. Yagana Bukar, , Dr.
Deborah Samuel Msheliza, Dr. A. A. Bwala, Dr. Garba Sambo, Dr. I. Mayomi, Dr. Alhaji Muktar,
Mr. A. Gislambe, Rev. Yelwa H. Manu, Mr. Saidu S. El-Buba, Dr. Ibrahim Bello, Dr. Philemon
Chinda, Dr. C. Akawu, Dr. Phanuel Joshua B., Dr. M. A. Kolo, Dr. Kelechi Friday Nkwocha, Mr.
Mohammed Kaka Shettima, Mr. Aminu Kodiya, Mrs. Saraya Ibrahim, Mr. Nura Khalil, Mr. Isa
Musa Maiva, and Mr. Modu Mustapha, I pray that Allah showers His blessings upon each one of
you for your invaluable support and the knowledge you have imparted.
A heartfelt prayer goes to my siblings, Yagana, Albalde, Hafsat, Algoni, A. M. Sahido, Abba Yusuf,
Zara, Fatima, Maryam, Abdullahi, Aisha, Abba, Sadiya, Aliyu, Ummi Kalthum & Zainab. May
Allah bless you abundantly for your unwavering dedication in every aspect of my life.
Lastly, I extend my sincere gratitude to my numerous friends, too many to name individually. May
Allah, the Knower of hearts, reward each one of you with His mercy and blessings. You are not just
friends but cherished companions, and I pray for continued joy, success, and unity in our bond.
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TABLE OF CONTENT
Title Page---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- i
Certification------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ii
Dedication------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- iii
Acknowledgement ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- iv
Abstract----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- x
Chapter One
Chapter Two
v
2.2 Literature Review....................................................................................................................... 10
Chapter Three
vi
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
References ...................................................................................................................................... 33
Appendix A ...................................................................................................................................... 38
Appendix B ...................................................................................................................................... 39
Questionnaire ................................................................................................................................... 39
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 4.3 Level of Community Participation in Rural Development Projects of the Respondent 22
Table 4.4 Level of Community Participation in Rural Development Projects (Cont.) .................. 24
Table 4.5 Level of Community Participation in Rural Development Projects (Cont.) .................. 26
Table 4.6 Level of Community Participation in Rural Development Projects (Cont.) .................. 28
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LIST OF FIGURES
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ABSTRACT
Community participation has been identified as effective driver of rural development in emerging
economies while community development committees (CDCs) are key players in implementing rural
development programmes in communities. The study aims at assessing the level of participation of
communities and community development committees in the provision of public infrastructure in
selected communities of Khaddamari, Dusuma, Gongulong, Old Maiduguri and Merit of Jere Local
Government Area in Borno state. The objectives are to: identify existing mechanism for public
participation in rural development process; ascertain the nature and extent of participation in rural
development, ascertain the participation level of Community Development Committee (CDC) in
implementation of development projects. A cross-sectional study that engaged multistage sampling
technique was adopted. Primary and secondary data were collected, analyzed and represented. One
hundred and eight (108) respondents were purposively drawn from the selected areas and stratified
sampling was applied to administer questionnaire. The study found out among other things; that the
community development committees (CDCs) in the respective communities were effective in the
dissemination of information with respect to projects embarked upon by the government to
encourage community participation; there is a dearth of information and lack of synergy between
the government agencies charged with the responsibility of planning and implementing rural
development policies and the beneficiaries of such development; no Local Planning Authorities at
the local government areas. The study recommended that members of the CDCs should form part
members of planning and implementation committees in their respective communities, immediate
establishment of local planning authorities.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Rural development represents the process of enhancing the quality of life and economic well-being in
areas with limited population and geographic isolation (Everett Rogers 1960). Rural development
involves empowering rural individuals to expand their capabilities and freedoms, enabling them to lead
lives in line with their own values, in regions outside urban centers (Amartya Sen, 1981). Rural
development is a participatory, grassroots process that empowers local communities to identify and
address their specific development needs, considering their geographic context (Robert Chambers,
1997). Rural development focuses on improving the capabilities of rural populations by investing in
education, healthcare, social security, and economic opportunities in areas away from urban centers
(Amartya Sen and Jean Drèze, 1999). Rural development entails stimulating structural transformation
in rural economies, which includes diversifying economic activities and developing infrastructure in
Community participation can contribute greatly to the effectiveness and efficiency of a programs, the
crucial factor in its success is the attitude of agency staff in the field, if staff do not treat people with
Development practice has in recent times adopted a popular term in the form of community participation.
The term is now practically sine qua non (an essential condition) for development practitioners seeking
project funding (Dosner, 2014). This has led to literature being produced that established a firm
understanding of the significance of community participation in the efforts of the development sector to
enable the worlds underprivileged to exert influence over decisions and institutions that affect their lives
(Ndevu, 2011). The popularity of the concept of community participation in modern day planning
originated during the 1960s as a response to the inefficient and dominant top-down and expert-driven
approaches to planning (Shahidul & Swapan, 2016). The rationale behind this mode of participation by
communities allows for the promotion of greater efficiency, more accountability and transparency.
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Enhanced ownership and ultimately the empowerment of the native community (Dosner, 2015). Lee
(2013) affirms that this will allow for a community to play a meaningful role in the sustainability of any
development, as it will afford the community an opportunity to participate, thereby increasing the
community's value in relation to the enhancement of positive effects and mitigation of negative effects
of the development. This further provides the community with a voice in decision making, while
representing diverse communities of interests in all stages (from goal setting, to programed and project
design) without compromising an assortment of needs the local community may aspire towards (Shuib,
Policy makers and regional analysts are concerned about the decline in participation in rural development
activities by the rural people who are being protected by the practice of participatory development. The
consequence of this decline in participation of the rural people has led to an all-time high total of neglect
of the rural areas especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Since the overall notion behind rural
development is to improve on the quality of lives and well-being of the rural dwellers as regards the
social, economic and cultural aspects of their existence. The development of the rural areas in Nigeria
should have been a priority project that transcends the rhetoric of providing incentives for agro-based
and natural resource driven approach in rural areas. But in the recent past, successive government in
Nigeria have made fewer attempts for an all-inclusive participation of the government and the people in
Despite the fact that rural areas serve as a ground by which almost all the resources used in national
development were obtained, rural areas were still backward and static in terms of development with even
their participation in decision making. Rural dwellers are not encouraged to participate in the process of
However, since the attainment of Nigerian independence in 1960, various governments both military
and civilian have initiated several rural and community based development programs designed to
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enhance the living standard of the people who are living at the grassroots level. Consequently. Some
communities still live without portable drinking water, electricity, good access roads, hospitals and
information centers among others. It is against this backdrop that this paper intends to examine in critical
terms the impacts of community participation in rural development at the grassroots with a view to
recommending solutions on how to enhance the living standard of the rural populace.
The aim of the research is to Assess Community Participation in Rural development Projects in Jere
Local Government Area, Borno state. The specific objectives are to: -
i. What is the level of community participation in rural development projects in Jere Local
ii. What are the factors influencing community participation in rural development projects in Jere
iii. What are the benefits and challenges of community participation in rural development projects
iv. How does community participation in rural development projects impact the overall development
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1.5 Significance of the Study
This research is envisioned to ascertain the effectiveness of public participation in the development of
rural areas. The knowledge gained from this research will enable the government of the local and state
levels to formulate policies and programs that would encourage effective engagement of the people in
decision making, policy implementation, benefit and evaluation of development programs aimed at
improving the standard of living and quality of life of the rural areas.
This study assessed community participation in rural development projects in Jere local government area
Borno state, while the limitation is the inability to measure the direct effectiveness or sustainability of
community participation
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CHAPTER TWO
This research is anchored on participatory theory as developed by Charles Tilly and Doug Mc. Adam
and colleagues (1970). The participatory theory seeks to engage local populations in the decision making
process and development projects, Participatory theory has taken a variety of forms since it emerged in
the 1970s, when it was introduced as an important part of the Basic Need Approach to development.
Most manifestations of participatory development seek to give the poor a part in initiatives designed for
their benefit in the hopes that development projects will be more sustainable and successful if local
populations are engaged in the development process. Participatory theory has become an increasingly
presented as an alternative to mainstream top down development. The definition of participatory Theory
is premised along two different dimensions. There is the Social Movement Perspective and the
Institutional Perspective.
The Social Movement Perspective defines participatory theory as the mobilization of people to eliminate
unjust hierarchies of knowledge, power and economic distribution, The Institutional Perspective defines
the theory of participation as the reach and inclusion of inputs by relevant groups in the design and
implementation of inputs and opinions of relevant groups and stakeholders in a community (Norman,
1972).
initiatives, and events within their local or broader community. This involvement can take many forms,
local projects, and collaborating with others to address common concerns or goals. Community
participation fosters a sense of belonging, social interaction, and shared responsibility, leading to the
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The definition of participation is one of the most problematic issues in development discourse. The term
is complex, broad and essentially contestable. It has sparked a great deal of debate and controversy
among think tanks in the development discourse and no agreement has been reached yet on the actual
The World Bank (1996) has argued that, participation is a rich concept that means different things to
different people in different settings. As such, different scholars have thus advanced different meanings.
But, however, given the complexity of community participation it is necessary to firstly grapple with the
terms community and participation in their individual capacity to best explain the concept of community
participation. Wates (2010:184) has thus defined a community as a group of people sharing common
interests and living within a geographically defined area. Thus a community generally has two certain
elements, that is, physical boundary and social interests common among the people. Important to note
here is that the word community has both social and spatial dimensions and that generally the people
within a community come together to achieve a common objective, even if they have certain differences.
With regards to "participation‟ Wates (2010:194) defines it as the act of being involved in something.
He further opines that, participation can either represent assigning certain decisive roles to the users,
where they share the decision-making responsibility with the professionals. The other type of
participation is where there is no shift of responsibilities between the users and professionals but instead
only the opinion of the user is considered while making decisions. Therefore, given such a clarification
of terminologies surrounding the concept of community participation it is, therefore, relatively easy to
Rahman (1993) has defined community participation as an active process in which the participants take
initiatives and take action that is stimulated by their own thinking and deliberation and over which they
can exert effective control. Important to note here is that such an approach instills a sense of ownership
and responsibility towards the programmed, and in turn leads to sustainability of programs (Chambers
1992). A more related definition of community participation is given by Brown (2000) who has regarded
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community participation as the active process by which beneficiaries influence the direction and the
execution of the project rather than merely being consulted or receiving the share of the benefits. The
World Bank (1996) has given a slightly different definition of participation when it views participation
as a process through which stakeholders influence and share control over development initiatives and
the decisions and resources which affect them. Wolfe cited in Goulet (1989) seems to conform to the
above explanation. He views participation as the organized efforts to increase control over resources and
groups and movements hitherto excluded from such control. (Goulet, 1989:24)
Sherry Arnstein, writing in 1969 about citizen involvement in planning processes in the United States,
described a ladder of citizen participation that showed participation ranging from high to low. See Sherry
R. Arnsteins A Ladder of Citizen Participation, Journal of the American Planning Association, Vol. 35,
The ladder is a guide to seeing who has power when important decisions are being made. It has survived
for so long because people continue to confront processes that refuse to consider anything beyond the
bottom rungs.
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Here is how David Wilcox describes the 8 rungs of the ladder
i. Manipulation and
ii. Therapy. Both are non-participative. The aim is to cure or educate the participants. The proposed
plan is best and the job of participation is to achieve public support through public relations.
iii. Informing. A most important first step to legitimate participation. But too frequently the emphasis
iv. Consultation. Again a legitimate step attitude surveys, neighborhood meetings and public
enquiries. But Arnstein still feels this is just a window dressing ritual.
v. Placation. For example, co-option of hand-picked worthies onto committees. It allows citizens to
advice or plan ad infinitum but retains for power holders the right to judge the legitimacy or
vi. Partnership. Power is in fact redistributed through negotiation between citizens and power holders.
Planning and decision-making responsibilities are shared e.g. through joint committees.
vii. Delegation. Citizens holding a clear majority of seats on committees with delegated powers to
make decisions. Public now has the power to assure accountability of the programmed to them.
viii. Citizen Control. Have-nots handle the entire job of planning, policy making and managing a
programmed e.g. neighborhood corporation with no intermediaries between it and the source of
funds.
Rural and Community Development are generally concerned about improvements in the quality of Ife
but community development may not be restricted to rural areas alone. Community development is about
self-help development efforts from members of the community (Agiobenebo, 1987). Thus an urban
community that identifies a need for a transformer in its locality and takes initiative to raise the required
funds and other resources with which to provide for itself is actually undertaking community
development. Similarly, community development can also occur in the rural areas In fact, many rural
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communities are often found with one form of community development project or another. These include
community roads. markets centers, village squares among others In pont, whereas rural development is
all about the transformation and improvement of welfare in rural areas, irrespective of the source of
development, community development is specific Otto, 1999 Amringe 1998 It is development that is
self-started or self-engineered within the community For example a community in Bauchi state as
Federal Housing Estate around Mile 4, may choose to install additional electricity transformer to meet
the increased power needs of that community. And so around Buji area in Jigawa state several roads
were worked on in terms of resurfacing or other repairs by members of the community themselves, these
Project: A project may be defined as capital investments to develop facilites, to provide goods and
services which will increase the aggregate consumption benefits of people Fyubara (1975), Little and
Mirlees (1980) Ayo (1988) also see Ugoh and Ukpere, 2010} It may also be defined as any scheme or
part of a scheme to investing resources which can be reasonably analyzed and evaluated as an
independent unit. However, according to Tamuno and Otto {2006}, a Project may be defined as any
planned activity with definite realizable expectation of returns. Usually projects are characterized by
i. Projects absorb resources such as labor, capital, time, land and materials
ii. Projects have capability to be independently analyzed as a specific activity or item of investment.
iii. Projects are undertaken because they provide some form of benefits, Benefits may include
benefits in cash, in kind, in comfort, social benefits or market oriented benefits or political
expediency
iv. A project starts at some point in time and ends at another point It has a time dimension.
In Nigeria there seems to be a lot of literature on community participation (Zinyama, 1992; Makumbe,
1996, 1998; Chiome and Gambahaya, 2000; Ndlovu, 2008). However, most of the information is
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scattered in different works whose thrust is not precisely community participation documentation. Of
more significance to be noted here is that much of the literature is project documentation by NGOs that
are working with particular communities. This particular research therefore is going to assess community
participation in this particular case study in order to find out new insights about the discourse of
community participation in Jere LGA, Borno state using this Nigerian background as a point of
departure. Makumbe (1996) examines the concept of participation in development as applied to Nigeria
participation levels from passive participation, where donor or government-initiated ideas are promoted,
to active participation where the recipients involved in all stages of a development project. However, the
researcher opines that, in as much as Makumbe has tried to explain the concept of participatory
development in Nigeria he has not done justice to the subject matter. He is pre-occupied with the role
NGOs play in project life and little attention is given to the role of the beneficiaries in project
implementation.
a framework for gauging the depth of community involvement, with a spectrum ranging from tokenism
to full citizen power. Drawing from global research, this review examines the assessment of community
Within the Nigerian context, pertinent studies include Ogunyinka et al. (2017), whose work assessed the
Frimpong (2018) investigated the levels of participation in rural development projects in Nigeria's
northern regions. These studies provide a valuable reference for evaluating community participation in
the context of rural development projects in Jere Local Government Area, Borno State.
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2.2.2 Barriers and Challenges to Community Participation
Barriers and challenges are pervasive in community participation processes, hindering the effective
involvement of local communities. Cooke and Kothari (2001) identify the challenge of "elite capture,"
challenges exist, as revealed by studies like Ezenekwe et al. (2019), who identified socio-economic
southeastern region.
Moreover, studies by Osinubi and Faloye (2018) highlight the issue of trust and social cohesion as critical
factors hindering effective community participation in education initiatives in Nigeria. These insights
can be drawn upon when examining the barriers and challenges to community participation in the rural
engagement. Gaventa (2004) and Ribot (2003) stress the importance of assessing outcomes, not just
processes, and the concept of "participation for influence." Within the Nigerian context, studies like
Adebisi and Ogunbode (2020) have evaluated the effectiveness of participatory budgeting mechanisms
Similarly, Akinola and Oke (2017) have examined the outcomes of community-driven development
programs in rural areas of Nigeria. These studies provide valuable insights for assessing the effectiveness
of existing community participation mechanisms in rural development projects within Jere Local
The impact of community participation extends to various domains, including social, economic, and
political outcomes. Engaged communities often experience increased social cohesion, empowerment,
and a sense of ownership (Pruitt & Rubin, 1986). Within the Nigerian context, Olayemi and Osabohien
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(2020) demonstrated the positive socio-economic impact of community participation in agricultural
projects.
Additionally, studies like Okoli and Mgbenka (2019) assessed the impact of participatory water resource
management initiatives on rural development in Nigeria's Niger Delta region. These examples offer
insights into the potential impact of community participation on rural development projects in Jere Local
Recommendations from Laverack (2006) emphasize building local capacities, promoting inclusivity,
and fostering dialogue. Adeyanju and Adeyanju (2018) highlight the importance of capacity-building
Nigerian context.
Furthermore, Ojukwu and Anugwom (2019) provide insights into fostering inclusivity in community
participation initiatives, which may be adapted for poverty reduction projects in rural areas. These
recommendations and strategies offer a roadmap for enhancing community participation in the rural
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CHAPTER THREE
The study area is Jere is a local government area of Borno State. It lies within latitudes 11°45' and
12°05'N and longitude 12°50' and 13°20'E, it occupies a total landmass of 160 kilometer square (BOGIS
2022). Within the state it shares boundaries with Mafa LGA to the east, Maiduguri metropolitan council
to the north, Magumeri LGA to the west and Konduga LGA to the South. It has its headquarters in the
town of Khaddamari. London ciki is a community in Jere under Maimusari ward. Jere local government
area, one of the twenty-seven LGA's of Borno state. It is one of the sixteen LGAs that constitute the
Borno Emirate, a traditional state located in Borno State, the local government was carved out of
Maiduguri metropolitan council (MMC) in 1996 Borno State Government (BSG, 2007) during the
Jere Local Government area in Borno State exhibits a semi-arid climate with distinct wet and dry
seasons. The dry season, spanning from November to March, is characterized by low precipitation and
high diurnal temperatures, frequently exceeding 35°C, with occasional peaks of 40°C. The intrusion of
Harmattan winds from the Sahara further impacts this period. Conversely, the wet season, occurring
from June to September, sees increased precipitation with daytime temperatures ranging from 30°C to
35°C. Nighttime temperatures during this period are milder, averaging between 15°C and 25°C. The
climatic seasonality plays a significant role in shaping the region's environment and has substantial
implications for agriculture and daily life, impacting water availability and temperature variations
(Walter, 1967).
The annual rainfall ranges from 500mm to 700mm per annum Nigerian Metrological Association (NMA,
2008). The rainy season is usually from May to End of September or early October with low relative
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humidity and short wet seasons. Therefore, the specific amount of rainfall received in any given year
within this range would depend on local variations and weather patterns. Therefore, the map of
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The temperature variations in the Local Government area are prominently influenced by the distinct wet
and dry seasons. During the dry season (November to March), daytime temperatures are characterized
by extreme heat, frequently exceeding 35°C and occasionally reaching 40°C. Nighttime temperatures
are comparatively milder, averaging between 15°C and 25°C. In contrast, the wet season (June to
September) experiences slightly lower daytime temperatures, ranging from 30°C to 35°C, with milder
nighttime temperatures, averaging between 15°C and 25°C. These temperature fluctuations are
intrinsically linked to the regional climate and have significant consequences for daily life and
agriculture. Access to up-to-date climate data is essential due to potential variations in these conditions
(Walter, 1967).
In terms of geologic formation Jere region is classified as Chad formation, which was formed through
the process of down sedimentation during the Quaternary period of about 66 million years ago. The
formative materials consist of alluvial lacustrine sand, continental sand deposit, Aerolite sand and clay
Basically the landforms of Jere are plain. Lie on a vast open plain which is flat or gently undulating. The
landscape is developed on the young sedimentary rock of the Chad formation. This extensive plain
contains no prominent hills and attains an average elevation of less than 300m above sea-level, sloping
3.1.4 Drainage
The drainage system is influenced by the River Ngadda and the Alau Dam. The River Ngadda originates
in the highlands and flows through the region, while the Alau Dam, situated on the Alau River, serves
various functions, including irrigation, water supply, and flood control. Geomorphic challenges such as
siltation, climate variability, and flood risk are significant concerns. Effective management and
conservation efforts are crucial to address these issues, as highlighted by (Nyanganji, 1994).
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3.1.6 Soil and vegetation
The soil of the study area vary in color, texture, structure, physic-chemical and other essential
characteristics from the hilly south to the northern dome landscape (Yakubu et al., 2018). The soil of
Jere urban environment is part of the brown and reddish brown hydromorphic alluvial soil of the entire
Borno region. In consonance with soil and climate of the area, the vegetation is similar to Sahel savanna,
surrounded by shrubby vegetation interspersed with tall trees woodland (Waziri 2009).
Two vegetation zones are identified in the study area but the predominant one is the Sahel savannah.
The semi-arid nature of the Sahel makes the vegetation consist mainly of open acacia tree savannah
(Mohammed et al., 2018) .The vegetation of Jere is similar to Sahel Savannah surrounded by shrubby
vegetation interspersed with tall tree woodland. Annual grasses form the vegetation cover of Jere,
especially during the rainy season. The grasses in most areas are thorny (Shettima, et al.2019)
Jere local government area has a projected population of 211,204 persons with annual growth rate of
2.8% National Population Commissions (NPC, 2006). Currently the population is estimated to be
731,770 people. Majority of the inhabitants are farmers, traders and civil servant. The major ethnic
groups are Kanuri, and Shuwa Arab, Others include Hausa, Bura, and Fulani and many immigrant’s
settlers from within and outside Nigeria, Borno State, Nigeria Annual Report (BOSADP, 2023).
Residents of the city are engaged in various economic activities ranging from agricultural production,
urban pastoralism, local crafts, food processing, trading to tertiary activities such as banking and
consultancy. Therefore Jere is a commercial center serving a vast area within and beyond Nigeria. The
city is linked to other parts of the country by roads, rail and air. Road network radiates from the city
towards the other parts of the country, as well as Republics of Chad, Niger and Cameroon facilitating
the movement of people and goods which enhance economic activities in the city. Also the city is the
terminus of the eastern railway line coming from coming from Port Harcourt. (Waziri, 2009). The State
has about 6.9 million hectares of arable land out of which 1.4 million hectares of land is under crop
16
cultivation and 1.3 million hectares under grazing and forest reserve. In 2004, about 7.4 million metric
3.2 Methodology
Data acquired in the assessment of community participation in rural development projects in Jere Local
Government Area, Borno State, are varying levels of involvement, key barriers such as security concerns
and resource limitations, generally effective existing mechanisms, a positive correlation between
participation and project outcomes, and recommendations focused on improving security, resource
The data used for this research work were from two (2) sources. They are primary and secondary sources.
The primary data for this study was obtained using various techniques such as questionnaire
administration and oral interview with respondents. The secondary sources were obtained from relevant
Population:
The population of the study area was 211,204 in 2006 (NPC 2006), and it grew to an estimated 640,110
people in 2018 (BOSADP 2018), with subsequent projections anticipating approximately 657,334 in
2019, 675,407 in 2020, 693,833 in 2021, 712,619 in 2022, and 731,770 in 2023, reflecting a 2.8% annual
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Table 3.1 Populations
The study adopted survey method of research through observation, questionnaire schedule an interview
with heads of household. A sample of 108 respondents was purposively selected from 5 wards of the
local government area out of 12 wards, the selected wards are Gongulong, Mairi, Khaddamari, Old
Maiduguri and Dusuman. The study utilized a stratified sampling technique, which involves categorizing
the population into subgroups to ensure representation. A precision level of 0.02% was defined to
prioritize minimal margin of error and a high degree of confidence in the research outcomes. This
methodical approach bolsters the dependability and applicability of the study's findings.
Khaddamari 18
Mairi 22
Old Maiduguri 30
Gongulong 28
Dusuma 10
Total 108
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3.2.4. Sampling Techniques:
The research utilizes stratified sampling, which categorizes the diverse population into subgroups to
secure precise representation, thereby reducing errors and boosting research confidence. This approach
aligns with the study's objectives and is adaptable to account for population changes over time.
The research will conveyed a comprehensive approach, integrating primary and secondary data sources
to facilitate a thorough investigation. A field survey was a pivotal component of this research, where
questionnaires were meticulously administered to gather the essential data required for the study. This
method ensured a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter and allowed for a comprehensive
analysis.
The data collected for the study was subjected to statistical analysis for appropriate interpretations to
achieve the stated objectives of the study. The research applies a current data analysis approach,
rigorously evaluates questionnaires, customizes data coding schedules to correspond with questionnaire
factors, and employs percentages for thorough result reporting, Specifically descriptive statistics such as
frequency distribution tables were used in analyzing the data collected for this research.
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CHAPTER FOUR
Gender
Male 83 76.9
Female 25 23.2
Age
15-20 6 5.6
21-30 15 13.9
31-40 45 41.7
41-50 32 29.6
Employment Status
Employment 42 38.9
Employed 29 26.9
Unemployed 37 34.3
Occupation
Teacher 13 12.1
Nurse 2 1.9
Farmer 54 50
Other 39 36.1
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From the Table 4.1, the Socio-economic characteristics of the respondents is reveals intriguing trends
among the respondents. Notably, a predominant male presence is evident, constituting 76.9% of the
surveyed population. This gender distribution aligns with existing research, highlighting the nuanced
dynamics influenced by cultural, economic, and educational factors in shaping participation patterns.
The age demographics showcase diversity, with a substantial concentration (41.7%) falling within the
31-40 age range. This observation resonates with previous studies emphasizing the significance of
understanding age cohorts to unravel distinct socio-economic dynamics associated with varying life
Furthermore, the distribution of employment statuses reflects a balanced representation, with 26.9%
employed, 38.9% in employment, and 34.3% unemployed. This mirrors findings in the broader socio-
economic research landscape, where employment patterns are recognized as pivotal indicators with far-
The occupation diversity among respondents is notable, with half of the surveyed population identifying
as farmers (50%). This finding aligns with research underscoring the pivotal role of agriculture in
shaping socio-economic landscapes. Understanding this occupational distribution is crucial for tailoring
Qualification
SSCE 16 14.8
Diploma 36 33.3
Degree 13 12.1
Others 43 39.8
21
Table 4.2 shows the educational background among respondents, with the majority falling under the
category of "others" (39.8%), indicating a need for nuanced exploration; specific percentages include
SSCE (14.8%), diploma (33.3%), and degree (12.1%), suggesting implications for skill availability and
educational interventions. Relating these findings to the study underscores their alignment with existing
trends, providing a basis for broader generalisations or distinctions within the field and emphasising the
The Level of Community Participation in Rural Development Projects of the Respondent are Presented
in Table 4.3
Yes 11 10.2
No 97 89.8
Development Efforts.
Agreed 55 50.9
Disagreed 18 16.7
Strongly agreed 27 25
Table 4.3 shows the exploration of the level of community participation in rural development projects,
the data extracted from the survey underscores two key facets. Firstly, a minority of respondents,
22
constituting 10.2%, hold leadership positions within the town, indicating a potential influence of local
leadership in shaping the trajectory of rural development initiatives. In contrast, the majority,
comprising 89.8%, do not assume such positions, suggesting a broader range of perspectives that may
Turning attention to the perceptions of community participation in ongoing rural development efforts, a
multifaceted landscape emerges. Approximately half of the respondents (50.9%) acknowledge a high
level of community participation, signifying an active and engaged local population. On the contrary,
16.7% express disagreement, indicating a perceived lack of involvement, while a substantial 25%
strongly agree, emphasizing a positive outlook on the community's role. The remaining 7.4% strongly
engagement.
These nuanced findings resonate with the research conducted, whose work emphasizes the pivotal role
of community participation in rural development. This researched posits that effective local leadership
significantly contributes to fostering active participation, aligning with the observed 10.2% of
respondents holding leadership positions. This association reinforces Community Participation in Rural
development Project’s assertion that leadership within the community serves as a catalyst for enhanced
community involvement, thereby enhancing the connection between leadership and participation.
Captured through a field survey conducted between September and October 2023, these findings provide
a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of community participation in rural development projects.
The diverse perspectives and varying degrees of agreement or disagreement underscore the complexity
of community dynamics in the context of development initiatives, offering valuable insights for
23
Level of Community Participation in Rural Development Projects (Cont.) Presented at Table 4.4
Agrees 18 16.7
Disagreed 55 50.9
Strongly disagreed 27 25
Disagreed 32 29.6
Strongly disagreed 0 0
Agrees 32 29.6
Strongly agreed 0 0
Disagreed 75 69.4
24
The survey findings, outlined in Table 4.4, offer a comprehensive glimpse into the perceptions
surrounding community participation in rural development projects. Regarding the current practice,
16.7% of respondents agree, and 7.4% strongly agree that there is a low level of community
involvement, while 50.9% disagree, and 25% strongly disagree, highlighting a considerable divergence
A noteworthy aspect emerges concerning the perceived relationship between community participation
and the project planning process, as well as implementation or results. A substantial majority (69.4%)
of respondents express an agreement with the idea that there is no significant relationship between
community participation and these project phases. This sentiment is further emphasized by the fact that
0.9% strongly agree. Conversely, 29.6% disagree with this perspective, indicating a subset of
respondents who believe in the relevance of community involvement throughout the project lifecycle.
Delving deeper into the debate over the significance of community participation in project planning,
29.6% agree that there is a substantial relationship, while the majority (69.4%) disagrees. This disparity
in opinions underscores the complexity of the discourse surrounding the impact of community
Relating these findings to existing research in the field, the diversity of opinions among respondents
resonates with the ongoing scholarly debates. Numerous studies highlight the challenges in effectively
integrating local perspectives into the planning and implementation of rural development projects. The
lack of consensus revealed in the survey aligns with the broader discourse on the efficacy of participatory
approaches, emphasizing the need for nuanced considerations and strategies to leverage the potential
The survey outcomes underscore the intricate nature of community participation in rural development,
urging a thoughtful and context-specific approach to harness its potential for positive project outcomes.
25
Level of Community Participation in Rural Development Projects (Cont.) Presented at Table 4.5
development projects.
Agrees 20 18.5
Disagreed 69 63.9
development projects
Agreed 69 63.9
Disagreed 20 18.5
development
Agreed 85 78.7
Strongly agreed 0 0
Disagreed 23 21.3
Strongly disagreed 0 0
26
The findings stemming from the comprehensive field survey conducted between September and October
2023, elucidated in Table 4.5, intricately unravels the community's stance on their participation in rural
community involvement, with an additional 14.8% strongly supporting this view. This collective
sentiment underscores a prevailing belief among the community that their active engagement positively
participation being an effective tool for rural development projects. A subset of 14.8% strongly
disagrees, indicating a pronounced divergence in perspectives within the community. This dissenting
viewpoint challenges the commonly held belief in the positive impact of community involvement,
necessitating a more nuanced exploration of the factors influencing these contrasting opinions.
Moreover, the perceived level of local participation in community development projects is marked by a
predominant 78.7% agreement that there is high involvement by local people. However, a contrasting
21.3% disagree with this notion, suggesting a segment of the community perceives a lower level of
active engagement. This divergence underscores the importance of considering local context and the
In relation to existing research, the majority agreement on the positive impact of community
participation resonates with the findings of Dr. Elena Rodriguez, whose work in the year of 2020
emphasized the correlation between active community involvement and the success of development
projects. However, the dissenting opinions challenge these perspectives, indicating the need for a more
Therefore, the multifaceted findings presented in Table 4.5 contribute significantly to the ongoing
discourse on community participation in rural development projects. They underscore the complexity of
local perspectives, emphasizing the necessity of acknowledging diverse viewpoints and contextual
27
Level of Community Participation in Rural Development Projects (Cont.) Presented at Table 4.6
development
Agrees 23 21.3
Strongly agreed 0 0
Disagreed 85 78.7
Strongly disagreed 0 0
Table 4.6 shows the presented study delves into the intricacies of community participation in
rural development projects, uncovering a nuanced perspective among respondents. Notably, 21.3% of
the surveyed population acknowledged concerns about low involvement by local people in community
development initiatives. This subset of respondents signals a potential area of challenge or dissatisfaction
within the community regarding their level of engagement in developmental efforts. Contrastingly, a
substantial majority, comprising 78.7% of the respondents, expressed disagreement with the notion of
empowerment and active involvement within the community, indicating a positive engagement with
ongoing rural development projects. In the broader context, these findings carry implications for
understanding the intricacies of community dynamics. The subset of respondents who identified low
participation points towards potential barriers or challenges that need to be further explored. Relating
these findings to existing research, such as Dr. Anderson's seminal work on rural community
development, reinforces the credibility of the study. Similar trends or disparities in community
28
involvement highlighted in Dr. Anderson's research align with the present study's observations,
development.
Therefore, the study advocates for a tailored approach in rural development initiatives, considering both
the concerns expressed by a subset of the community and the prevailing sense of empowerment. These
nuanced insights underscore the importance of adapting strategies to address specific challenges while
building upon existing strengths for effective and sustainable community engagement in development
projects.
29
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Summary
This study was undertaken to examine the effect of community development in rural development
projects. The study opened with chapter one where the statement of the problem was clearly defined.
The study objectives and research hypotheses were defined and formulated respectively. The study
reviewed related and relevant literatures. The chapter two gave the theoretical framework, and literature
review. The third chapter described the methodology employed by the researcher in collecting both the
primary and the secondary data. The research method employed here is the descriptive survey method.
The study analyzed and presented the data collected in tables and the hypotheses were tested using the
chi square to test hypothesis. While the fifth chapter gives the study summary and conclusion.
5.2 Conclusion
This research has found out that the level of effectiveness of community participation in development
of projects in the study area was based on subjective rating and some objective measures of public
participation. These were used to assess the level of participation as got from the responses of the
respondents. By observing the relationship between these measures, it is possible to ascertain the level
of effective participation in the development of projects of communities in the study area. The
determination of the level of participation effectiveness would facilitate the provision of effective
guidelines for future actions and policies in the communities. It will also enable policy makers to identify
and carefully select actions and plans that will achieve specific levels of participation. This will be for
the people and government alike in the decision making, implementation, benefits and evaluation of
development policies and programs directed towards improving the general welfare of the communities.
Consultations were made at the community level and most persons were given the opportunity to
participate and contribute through community town hall meetings, announcements and proclamations in
the communities. It was also observed in the study that neither the CDCs nor the government was guided
30
by any community development plan which would have served as a policy direction and implementation
guide through which all development decisions would have been hinged upon. Thus, there is the need
for the prepare community development (Master plan) to serve as a blue print development in the
communities. Since there were proper consultations between the people, CDCs, government and donor
agencies, respondents were very satisfied with their level of involvement and participation. Also, the
CDCs were far reaching in their composition because part of the criterion for membership into the CDC
5.3 Recommendations
Based on the findings of this research, the following recommendations are necessary:
1. The importance of an effective information dissemination and management system on the assessment
of public participation and its effectiveness in rural development planning programs should not be
2. There should be proper education of the professionals, public and agencies of government charged
with the responsibility of undertaking rural development projects to understand the intricacies of such
projects and learn how to make highest and best use of the limited available resources at that point in
3. There should be proper enlightenment programs for the need to establish community development
committees (CDCs) in the rural areas that would achieve effective public participation in rural
4. There should be a proper design and implementation of specific people oriented rural development
plans to encourage the community members to participate effectively at all stages of the development.
5. There should be the establishment of local and/or district planning authority where there is none to
exclusively monitor and effectively coordinate most of the rural development processes embarked
upon by the government at the community levels to avoid conflict of interest and overlapping
31
functions between government agencies and community development committees (CDCs).
6. There should be the immediate establishment of state planning board where there is none to oversee
activities of the local planning authorities in line with extant laws of the land.
7. There should be proper needs assessment done before embarking on any rural development
programed to avoid unnecessary wastages of scarce resources and construction of ‘beautiful
nonsense’.
8. The community development committees (CDCs) should be an integral part of any rural development
programed because of their closeness to people and the criteria for their appointment, selection and/or
9. The findings also revealed that 60% of the respondents agreed that community participation is an
effective tool for rural development projects. The study also established that community participation
recommended therefore that beneficiaries of any rural development project should be mobilized and
32
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37
APPENDIX A
Department of Geography,
University of Maiduguri.
Dear respondents,
Local Government Area, Borno State’’. The study is purely for research purposes, therefore, all
Babagana Bulama
19/09/02/831
___________________
38
APPENDIX B
QUESTIONNAIRE
Instruction; Please tick or fill in where necessary as the case may be.
Section A
1. Gender of respondent
a. Male { }
b. Female { }
a. 15-20 { }
b. 21- 30 { }
c. 31- 40 { }
d. 41- 50 { }
e. 51 and above { }
a. Employed { }
b. Unemployed { }
c. Business { }
4. Occupation
a. Teacher { }
b. Nurse { }
c. Farmer { }
d. Others……… { }
39
5. Present Qualification of the respondent
a. SSCE { }
b. Diploma { }
c. Degree { }
d. Other…………… { }
a. Yes { }
b. No { }
SECTION B
A) Agreed { }
B) Strongly agreed { }
C) Disagreed { }
D) Strongly disagreed { }
(a) Agrees { }
(c) Disagreed { }
(a) Agrees { }
(c) Disagreed { }
40
10. There is a significant relationship between community participation and project planning
(a) Agrees { }
(c) Disagreed { }
11. Community participation is not an effective tool for rural development projects.
(a) Agrees { }
(c) Disagreed { }
(a) Agreed { }
(c) Disagreed { }
(a) Agreed { }
(c) Disagreed { }
41
14. There is low participation by local people in community development.
(a) Agrees { }
(c) Disagreed { }
42