ABSTRACT
The study examined the role of community based organization system and the development of rural communities in Delta State: expectations and impacts. The specific objectives were: to examine the structure of selected community based organizations (CBO); ascertain the characteristics of community based organization; establish their contributions to the development of rural communities which they operate, and to identify the constraints encountered by them. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire from the President, Vice President or Secretary of each of the 45 CBOs. Frequencies, counts, percentages and mean values were used to analyze the data collected. It was found from the study that most of the CBOs were established for self-help (53.3%) and community development (26.6%). The CBOs admitted mainly indigenes (46.6%) and employed (62.1%). Most of them had monthly meetings (55.6%). Their major areas of impacts include bore hole (15.6%), market stall (14.4%), minor road construction (13.3) and road repair (11.1%). Major constraints were lack of funds (x=3.5), high cost of materials (x=3.3) and lack of government support (x=3.2) Based on the findings, it was recommended that government should establish an efficient monitoring team to ensure effective use of NDDC funds to make sure that it supports CBOs in their efforts to bring about development especially in rural communities Delta State. It is also expected that CBOs should identify and reach out to international donor agencies for assistance. To be able to attract this funding, they should register with a recognized government agency. |
