Advances in community participation strategies: A revisit panacea to strengthen infrastructural provision

Document Type : REVIEW PAPER

Authors

1 Civil and Environmental Engineering & Building Science, University of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa

2 Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Bells University of Technology Ota, Nigeria

Abstract
ABSTRACT:
The provision of infrastructural services in developing countries like Nigeria has not received adequate delivery in the past decades. This situation is growing alarming given the present economic downturn, political manipulations, and uncontrolled population increase, especially in the urban areas remains a major hindering factor. Communities are undergoing regression in countless facets of development. Community participation in the provision of infrastructure stands as a potential option for the citizens to utilize effectively rather than depending hopelessly on the government. Community participation maintains equitable and communal assets in providing a basic need within the community.  The government, whose role is to provide the essential infrastructures and basic social amenities, has been overwhelmed and termed incompetent in this aspect. This study aimed at revisiting the need for community participation in the provision of infrastructures. The objectives identified potential determinants, especially in Nigeria's situation, limiting public citizens' involvement. The study adheres to a desk research study method. This approach gives access to converge information from available sources, which also includes hand-searching of grey literature and related articles. Study findings revealed a very low level of community participation practices exposed from few data available in the literature. However, there is a paucity of empirical studies on the hindering glitches towards participation; therefore, this review filled this gap in the literature. Moreover, continuity in the participation process at this time is needed given the potential embedded in infrastructure provision and quality of life. Recommendations focussed on introducing sustainable approaches and tools as a remedial factor in attaining success in community participation.

Keywords

Subjects
Erevbenagie, S. U.; Marc, C. (2016). Stakeholders approach to community participation in a rural development. SAGE Publications Inc., 1(1): 1 –9 (9 pages).
 
Jessica, S.; Matthew, M.; Rod, M.; Hannah, D.; Elsa, F. (2021). Fostering partnerships for community engagement. Community Voice and Power Sharing Guidebook. Urban Institute, 1(1):  1-15 (15 pages).
 
Oyedeji, O. (2021). Nigeria’s infrastructure gap may increase with continues insecurity, corruption., 1(1): 1-5 (5 pages)
 
 
  • Receive Date 20 October 2024
  • Revise Date 01 January 2025
  • Accept Date 01 March 2025