Author(s) :

OLUWAFUNSHO Inumidun Adeyemi, ADEBAYO Ola Afolaranmi, PhD.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Community Participation is the active involvement of citizens in decision-making processes that affect their socio-economic lives and well-being, while Local governance encompasses the institutions and mechanisms through which development policies are implemented at the community level. Despite their importance, grassroots development in oluyole local government continues to experience underdevelopment due to weak participation and ineffective governance. This study examines how community participation and local governance can function as drivers of grassroots development. The problem addressed is the persistent gap between development policies and the actual needs of local communities, often resulting from limited citizen engagement and weak institutional capacity. The study adopts a qualitative approach, relying on conceptual and empirical literature, which is based on Community Development Theory, which emphasizes participation, empowerment, and collective action. Results indicate that active community participation enhances project relevance, accountability, and sustainability, while effective local governance strengthens coordination and service delivery. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, poor leadership, low civic awareness, and weak collaboration between stakeholders hinder favorable outcomes. The study concludes that integrating participatory approaches into local governance is essential for sustainable grassroots development. It recommends increased government funding and technical support, continuous capacity building for local leaders, improved collaboration between community development associations and local authorities, promotion of inclusive participation, particularly among women and youth, strengthening of transparency and accountability mechanisms, enhanced civic education and awareness, and diversification of funding sources through partnerships with private organizations and non-governmental agencies. Keywords: Grassroot Development, Community Participation, Local Governance, Community Development Association and Rural Development.

No. of Downloads :

0