Appraising the Level of Community Participation in Rural Water Project in Communities, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study explored the level of community participation in a rural water project in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses tested at the 0.05 level of significance. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a sample of 153 respondents comprising 58 rural women, 20 Community Development Committee (CDC) members, and 75 registered youths, drawn from a population of 306 respondents using stratified random sampling technique. The data collection instrument was the researchers' structured questionnaire, which was face-validated by three experts, yielding an overall reliability coefficient of 0.89 obtained using Cronbach's Alpha. Findings, among others, show a low level of community participation in the water project. Factors associated with the non-sustainability of the water project include poor representation of community members, the rejection of ideas and suggestions raised by the communities, a lack of transparency on the part of the external agency, and the use of more foreigners in the planning and execution of the project. The researchers recommended adequate integration of key community players into the development programme and the employment of more community members to foster ownership of the project.

appraising, level, community participation, rural water project, communities

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