The Roles of Community Based Organizations in Rural Development Activities in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Despite the several roles of Community-based Organisations (CBOs) in complementing the government rural developmental efforts, the conditions of the rural dwellers have not improved significantly as expected. The study examines the perceived and performed roles of CBOs in the rural development of Osun State. Data for the study was collected from a sample of all registered CBOs in all the rural areas of Osun State. Using multistage sampling method, a total of 56 CBOs were randomly selected across the six administrative zones in the State. Structured interview schedule was used to elicit information on the characteristics of the selected organizations, their perceived and performed roles as well as the challenges facing the organizations in carrying out their activities. The results show that the role performance of slightly more than 80 percent of the organizations could be classified as low or medium. Specifically, role performance was classified as low as indicated by 21.4 percent, medium by 60.7 percent of the organization and as high as 17.9 percent of the organizations. Further analysis using independent t-test shows the mean role performance (6.9) was significantly lower than the mean role perception(10.8), t=6.30, p<0.01) We therefore conclude that  CBOs in Osun State were not meeting their roles as perceived by them and as expected. This could be attributed to certain challenges and constraints in accessing fund, poverty level of the people in the community and lack of governmemt supports.