Evaluation of Zambia's Chibombo Ward Development Commitiees of Keembe constituency in enhancing community participation

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Date
2016
Authors
Hanangama, Brenda
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Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
This study is an evaluation of Ward Development Committees (WDCs) of Zambia’s Keembe Constituency in enhancing community participation. In spite of the Zambian government’s effort in trying to enhance community participation in developmental projects, active community participation seemed not to be attainable. The objectives of the study were to establish whether or not selected Ward development committees in Keembe Constituency promoted community participation, to determine if individual households of selected WDCs of Keembe Constituency of Chibombo District participated in developmental projects and also to identify challenges that were faced by Ward Development Committees so as to determine better ways of enhancing local community participation. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methodologies based on a case study. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from the local community while semi-structured interview guides were used to collect qualitative data from the District Commissioner, District Council Secretary, Non-Governmental Organisations and WDCs officials who were key informants for the study. Quantitative data was analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Qualitative data was analysed through coding and themes. Main findings indicated that WDCs had fair knowledge about committees while the local community had little knowledge about WDCs. Results showed that most developmental projects were initiated by the local community. This was done by identifying priorities in line with community’s needs at ward level. Key implications of the findings are that if communities participated in identifying their own developmental projects, they would develop a sense of ownership for such projects. However, there is need for more sensitisation so that communities understand the purpose of WDCs. The findings also showed that the use of WDCs was one of the strategies used to implement the policy of decentralisation, which aimed at taking power to the grassroots. One major recommendation of the study involves the need for the Zambian government, through local councils, to recognise the importance of sensitising the community about community participation and the purpose of WDCs. There is need to carry out a research to find out provisions to be included in a WDC Act that would ensure an all- inclusive and holistic development in the Wards. Research into an allocation formula based on accurate information for the wards should also be carried out.
Description
Master of Education in Civic Education
Keywords
Local government--Zambia--Keembe--Citizen participation. , Local government--Zambia--Chibombo--Citizen participation.
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