Community Participation in Development Projects: A Case Study of the Mango Processing Plant, Yilo Krobo

Abstract

Participation as a topical issue has been very challenging to conceptualize because it is usually operationalized depending on the context. As such, this study aimed at exploring the factors that influence participation in development projects, the strategies to enhance participation, and the challenges that emerged from the process. Using the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly as a study area and the mango processing plant as the case study, primary data was collected through key informant interviews and secondary data from the Municipal Assembly’s internal reports, documents, journals, articles, and books. Key informant interviews were conducted for selected staff of the Assembly who met the selection criteria. In addition, the presiding member, assembly members, and unit committee were also engaged using interviews. The study used a thematic analysis to illustrate overall findings from participant replies and interpret data by inferring from participants’ responses about their experiences. The findings of the study established that participation has positive effects on development projects in the municipality. The assembly in its quest to enhance participation has adopted new strategies and mechanisms that encourage community engagement. The findings of the study also revealed that sensitization exercises as an initiative of the assembly enlighten the public on how beneficial the development projects are when implemented. Further, the findings of the study identified political influence and interference, lack of funds, inadequate resources, gender, people’s attitude toward change, and cultural practices as major challenges to participation. It is recommended that the assembly should strengthen its key platforms for community engagement programs to empower community members to effectively participate in community development in the Yilo Krobo Municipality. The political leaders in the municipality should initiate development projects that are realistic and seek to address the different needs of all the people in the Municipality.