Effectiveness of Community-Based Organizations CBOs) in Rural Development) In Sheikan Locality – North Kordofan State

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of community-based organization (CBOs) from different aspects of rural development with special focus on Village Development Committee (VDCs) at Shiekan locality, North Kordofan State. VDCs members as grass root organizations represent an essential mechanism for achievement of rural development. In this context, the study assessed the participation of VDCs and local communities in the development process planning, implementation and evaluation, of the development programme in the area, as well, the research measures community .participation in all stages of development process Both primary and secondary data were collected and used. The Primary data was collected through a field survey carried out in the study area using questionnaire and implemented through interviews and group discussion. The data was subjected to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Secondary data was obtained from reports, published papers, PHD Thesis .previous studies and documents of the Ministry of Agriculture Multi-stage random sampling techniques were adopted to select twenty six villages, thirteen villages in each area (with VDCs and without VDCs). Two types of questionnaires were used, one for VDCs committee members and the other for the beneficiaries. The VDCs committee members were 118 (10 respondent from each VDC) while the beneficiaries were 136 respondent from villages with VDC and 69 from villages without VDC. The number of selected .of the beneficiaries represented on10% of the villages population size The research concluded that, the administrative structure is good but the participation of community members were not fully in all stages of the development process stage, because were not involved in decision making specially women. This situation contradicted the theoretical concepts of participation. Additionally, VDCs role was limited to distribution of inputs. Also due to discontinuity of Villages ‘Sandoqes”, development projects stopped. Moreover, limited number of VDCs, and community members received inadequate technical and managerial training to enable effective 12 thinking in deal with probably development process. The role of VDCs in collaboration with local CBOs and NGOs is considerably limited to enable them perform their role, Furthermore, some financial, managerial and attitudes .constrains hampered VDCs effective performance To ensure effectiveness of VDCs as mechanism of rural development the research recommends building and upgrading capacities and skills of VDCs and community members, The involvement of community members especially women in development process and decision-making, re-establishment of Village Sondoqes under the supervision of VDCs to guarantee the sustainability of development process, and introduction of more income generating activities .to improve beneficiaries living conditions