SELF-RELIANCE AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVE: FOCUS ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS IN IDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE.

Abstract

Abstract The observed inadequacy in infrastructural facilities in the rural areas of Nigeria has triggered the formation of community development associations (CDAS) to engage in infrastructural development in their respective communities. The contribution of these (CDAS) to the provision of infrastructural facilities in the rural areas of Ido local government area of Oyo state was examined in this paper. Cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from five purposively selected (CDAS) leaders. the study revealed that water projects and road rehabilitation were the major infrastructural projects executed by all (100%) and 60% of the (CDAS) respectively. The (CDAS) secured funds through compulsory levies paid by members (100%), financial assistance from members of the communities in diaspora (40%), philanthropists (40%) and voluntary donations by community members (20%). Infrastructural facilities provided by the associations enjoyed adequate patronage from community members (100%). There was positive perception of the existence and relevance of the (CDAS) in their respective communities by the residents. inadequate funds (60%); lack of financial assistance from government (100%); and non-payment of compulsory levies by some members (40%) were the challenges facing the (CDAS). the paper posits that for any rural infrastructural development efforts of the government to be successful and sustainable, involvement of the rural people (target users) through their (CDAS) is desirable