Abstract

Joshua Akosu Farida and Imeda Okaka

The rapid growth of urban population in developing countries led to a corresponding increase in the demand for basic urban services. Community members generally participate in development projects because of the realization that contemporary governments can no longer single handedly meet most of these community needs. In view of the above, this study was aimed to examine the efforts of Community Base Organisations (CBOs) in urban development projects using Ilesa as a case study. The study also identified and classified the different projects embarked upon by the CBOs, the cost of projects and their mode of financing and problems. The list of CBOs was collected from the Community Development Officer of Ilesa Local Government,the Senior Cooperative Officer of Ministry of Trades and Cooperatives Secretary, Council of Ijesa society’s and field observation. Primary data were collected from questionnaire survey of ninety-seven CBOs selected randomly and another questionnaire directed to key officials of Ilesa Local Government to determine the level of involvement of the private sector in the provision and maintenance of some services, which are exclusive functions of the Local Government. The data were analysed using simple statistical techniques in form of frequency tables. The study shows that CBOs actually financed and executed development projects based on the financial capabilities of the organizations. CBOs were also faced with certain constraints such as inadequate of fund, lack of man power, absence of favoured government policies. The study further shows that CBOs do not embark on capital-intensive ventures and they do not finance and/or execute any project in partnership with Ilesa Local Government. In view of the findings, recommendations were proffered on how the constraints militating against the effectiveness of community projects can be solved. These include the financial base of CBOs, co- ordination in the location of projects, research and feasibility studies, orientation programme, coupled with cordial relationship between the CBOs and Ilesa Local Government.