Abstract:

Community development, a generic method of social work has been in practice in Africa, specifically Nigeria for donkey years, though often practiced informally through self-help efforts. Community Development Associations (CDAs) are expected to be at the front burner of implementing these self-help projects. This study therefore sought to examine the effectiveness and challenges of CDAs in implementing development projects in Surulere Local Government Area, Lagos State. A comparative study was conducted using two purposively selected CDAs within close proximity; 12 In-depth Interviews were conducted with both the executive and non-executive members of the CDAs and 2 key informant interviews were conducted with the community development officers in each L.C.D.A. The study found that, factors such as poor funding and community participation; as well as variation in the mode of operation of the two associations were found to be impeding/enhancing the effectiveness of CDAs in implementing development projects. This study recommends that, executives of CDAs should engage in continuous sensitization of residents on the importance of community participation and that, government should consider increasing its financial support to CDAs.