Evaluation of Zambia's Chibombo Ward Development Commitiees of Keembe constituency in enhancing community participation

This study is an evaluation of Ward Development Committees (WDCs) of Zambia’s
Keembe Constituency in enhancing community participation. In spite of the
Zambian government’s effort in trying to enhance community participation in
developmental projects, active community participation seemed not to be attainable.
The objectives of the study were to establish whether or not selected Ward
development committees in Keembe Constituency promoted community
participation, to determine if individual households of selected WDCs of Keembe
Constituency of Chibombo District participated in developmental projects and also
to identify challenges that were faced by Ward Development Committees so as to
determine better ways of enhancing local community participation. The study used
both qualitative and quantitative methodologies based on a case study.
Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from the local community
while semi-structured interview guides were used to collect qualitative data from the
District Commissioner, District Council Secretary, Non-Governmental Organisations
and WDCs officials who were key informants for the study. Quantitative data was
analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Qualitative data
was analysed through coding and themes. Main findings indicated that WDCs had
fair knowledge about committees while the local community had little knowledge
about WDCs. Results showed that most developmental projects were initiated by the
local community. This was done by identifying priorities in line with community’s
needs at ward level. Key implications of the findings are that if communities
participated in identifying their own developmental projects, they would develop a
sense of ownership for such projects. However, there is need for more sensitisation
so that communities understand the purpose of WDCs. The findings also showed that
the use of WDCs was one of the strategies used to implement the policy of
decentralisation, which aimed at taking power to the grassroots. One major
recommendation of the study involves the need for the Zambian government,
through local councils, to recognise the importance of sensitising the community
about community participation and the purpose of WDCs. There is need to carry out
a research to find out provisions to be included in a WDC Act that would ensure an
all- inclusive and holistic development in the Wards. Research into an allocation
formula based on accurate information for the wards should also be carried out.