Abstract: | This study aims at getting a better understanding of the processes involved in organizing and mobilizing the people at the grassroots level for self-help programmes and the problems encountered along the way. A brief review of the community development process in general reveals the following prerequisites for a successful development programme: the existence of community initiative and leadership resource; inclusive participation; the use of both internal and external resources; and an organized, comprehensive approach that involves the entire community. For the present study, the process of community development in three villages in Nigeria (Ajumawa in the north, Obinagu in the east and Apasan in the south) was examined. In spite of various successes in their self-help efforts, certain problems came to light which were traceable to a variety of factors inherent in the community development process as well as in the nature of the communities themselves. These problems concerned inadequacies in the decisionmaking process, related to the structure and function of the village associations; competition among community groups; too many or too expensive projects; the undemocratic course of action with respect to the succession of officebearers; the illiteracy problem; the lack or near lack of government assistance; the failure of government officials to keep up established routines; self-interest of leaders; and improper planning of projects. In conclusion, the author offers recommendations to overcome these problems. Ref. |