A study on strategies to enhance participation in community development projects

M.A.The aim of this study was to explore and describe participation in community development projects and the factors that affect participation. Projects experience problems with regard to participation which in turn has an impact on the success and sustainability of these projects. Projects in the far North region, Northern Province were targeted as the population and 30 respondents were interviewed from 3 sampled projects. Purposive sampling, which is a non-probability sampling method, was utilised to select sample. Interview schedule was utilised to collect data from respondents to measure 3 elements, i.e. demographic data, project formulation and role performance, and project management with specific reference to participation. The researcher discovered that participation in development projects is influenced by the level of involvement by project members in decision making and project management and their involvement in project roles and responsibilities. Availability of financial resources and the project's ability to meet abstract and material needs of members also influence participation in projects