TITLE:
An Exploration of the Barriers to Community Participation in Development within Ompundja Constituency
AUTHORS:
Niilonga N. T. Shetunyenga
KEYWORDS:
Community Development, Community Participation, Ompundja Constituency
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.11 No.9,
September
20,
2023
ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to explore the barriers to community
participation in development within Ompundja Constituency in the Oshana region.
A qualitative research approach was followed, in which data were gathered
through data collection and field interviews. The respondents in the study
comprised fifty-seven (57) community members, including officials from Oshana
Regional Council and Ompundja Constituency Office. Key findings of the study
indicated contrasting views between the community and Ompundja Constituency
officials with regard to community participation in development. Community
participation is not yet recognised as a key operational principle of
development. Government officials have a degree of understanding, but community
members are not aware of their roles and responsibilities. There must be a
genuine commitment to encourage participation in all aspects. Participation can
only occur when the community organises itself and takes responsibility for managing its problems. In order
for the government to achieve maximum community participation and subsequently
overcome barriers to development, the constituency is obliged to create an
enabling environment for community participation, which includes, amongst
others, addressing institutional obstacles and capacity gaps within the
community. Ompundja Constituency creates awareness about developmental projects
and ways in which the community can actively participate. Subsequently, the
capacity of the local people needs to be developed to enable them to contribute
positively to the development of their local governments. The common belief is
that involving citizens in rural programmes and empowering them has the
potential to boost their livelihoods and foster development.