Ezeh, C.AVeta, Dennis2023-06-262023-06-262012Ezeh, C. A. & Veta, O. D. (2012). Sustainable community development: A study of people’s perception of their involvement in the community development projects of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC). Nigerian Journal of Social Work, 13, 134 - 147https://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/20.500.12484/11275The aim of this paper was to explore and assess people’s perceptions of their involvement in the process of community development projects of the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission. The study was guided by three research questions as indicated in the frequency distribution tables. There was a review of relevant literature and the Gestalt Perception Theory formed the theoretical framework. A sample size of six hundred and thirty (630) was targeted, but five hundred (500) questionnaires were duly filled and returned. These together with data from (30) interviewees who were purposively selected, were used for the analysis. The major finding was that DESOPADEC had not been able to achieve the felt needs of the oil producing communities successfully; thus, the sustainability of community development projects has not been fully realized. This is the result of inadequate community participation in project selections and the implementation process. It is, therefore, recommended, among others, that effective community development strategies that could ensure adequate community participation should be adopted.DESOPADEC, Communities, Sustainability, Development, Delta StateArticle