Challenges of Community Participation in Road Maintenance Projects

Evidence from Babati District Council, Tanzania

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56741/jscd.v2i03.1348


Keywords:

Babati District Council, Community Participation, Infrastructure Development, Road Maintenance, Tanzania

Abstract

Community participation is promoted as a strategy to enhance the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of road maintenance, particularly in developing nations like Tanzania. However, its implementation often faces significant challenges. This study evaluates the specific challenges hindering effective community participation in road maintenance projects within the Babati District Council, Tanzania. A mixed-methods approach was employed, collecting quantitative data through structured questionnaires from 399 community members selected via simple random sampling, and qualitative insights from key informant interviews with local leaders and TARURA Regional Manager. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The findings reveal that community participation is severely constrained by a combination of factors: a critical lack of awareness about projects, significant financial constraints among community members, weak coordination between local government and residents, an absence of technical skills and training, prevalent corruption and mismanagement of funds, and poor communication and transparency in planning. These challenges collectively undermine community trust, willingness, and capacity to engage meaningfully. The study concludes that for community participation to be effective, a multi-pronged strategy is essential.

Author Biographies

Juma Almasi Mhina, Tengeru Institute of Community Development

is a Senior Lecturer at the Tengeru Institute of Community Development in Arusha, Tanzania. He holds a PhD in Agricultural and Rural Innovation from Sokoine University of Agriculture, a Master’s degree in Community Economic Development from the Open University of Tanzania, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and Extension from Sokoine University of Agriculture. With more than 20 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership, Dr. Mhina has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals on agricultural commercialization, rural development, gender, small-scale farming, market access, and the use of social media in agricultural information dissemination. He has played a vital role in curriculum design and review for training institutions, shaping programs in community development, gender, and engineering. (email: almasijuma@yahoo.co.uk).

Rehema John Magesa, Tengeru Institute of Community Development

is a Professor of Gender Studies and Senior Lecturer at the Tengeru Institute of Community Development in Arusha, Tanzania, with over two decades of academic, research, and professional experience. She holds a PhD in Gender Studies from the Open University of Tanzania, an Advanced Master’s in Development Evaluation and Management from Antwerp University in Belgium, an MSc in Agriculture (Animal Science Production), and a BSc in Agriculture from Sokoine University of Agriculture. Prof. Magesa has an extensive research and consultancy portfolio covering gender, women’s empowerment, human rights, rural livelihoods, and development, with numerous peer-reviewed publications on issues such as human trafficking, intimate partner violence, child marriage, and financial inclusion. She has provided consultancy and training for diverse organizations, including policy development, gender-responsive budgeting, and mainstreaming gender in public institutions. (email: likainda@yahoo.com).

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Published

2025-10-24

How to Cite

Mhina, J. A., & Magesa, R. J. (2025). Challenges of Community Participation in Road Maintenance Projects: Evidence from Babati District Council, Tanzania. Journal of Social and Community Development, 2(03), 168–182. https://doi.org/10.56741/jscd.v2i03.1348

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Vol. 2 No. 03 (2025): Journal of Social and Community Development

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Copyright (c) 2025 Juma Almasi Mhina, Rehema John Magesa

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