Effect of Rural Community Self-Help Projects on Community Development in Oyo State, Nigeria

The study analysed the effects of self-help projects on community development in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 195 respondents for collection of primary data for the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages and Weighted Mean Scores (WMS) and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and multiple regression were used for data analysis. The findings revealed the types of self-help projects in the rural communities were provision of borehole/water supply (97.9%), maintenance of school buildings (94.4%), and road and bridge construction (93.3%). The contribution of money/materials to the self-help projects ranked highest among the respondents (WMS = 3.82). The major effects of the self-help projects include reduced migrations from the communities (WMS = 2.74), improved sanitation and hygiene practices (WMS = 2.63) and increased income generating opportunities for residents (WMS = 2.60). Major constraints to self-help projects were inadequate funding (WMS = 3.70) and vandalism/theft of project components (WMS = 3.05). The contribution of labour significantly (β = 0.881, p = 0.021) enhanced the effectiveness of self-help projects. The study concluded that self-help projects play vital roles in rural livelihoods through reduced migrations from rural communities, and increased income generating opportunities for the residents. The study recommends more community participation through regular levies, and donations. The communities should strengthen sense of community ownership of the projects to enhance protection of their components.