Examining the Effectiveness of Decentralized Planning Structures in Promoting Participatory Development: A Case Study of Ward Development Committees in Kabwe District

This study is an evaluation of Ward Development Committees (WDCs) of Zambia’s Kabwe district in enhancing community participation. In spite of the Zambian government’s effort in trying to enhance community participation in developmental projects, active community participation seemed not to be attainable.

The objectives of the study were to establish whether or not selected Ward development committees in Kabwe Constituency promoted community participation, to determine if individual households of selected WDCs of Kabwe District participated in developmental projects and also to identify challenges that were faced by Ward Development Committees so as to determine better ways of enhancing local community participation. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methodologies based on a case study.

Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from the local community while semi-structured interview guides were used to collect qualitative data from the District Commissioner, District Council Secretary, Non-Governmental Organizations and WDCs officials who were key informants for the study. Quantitative data was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Qualitative data was analyzed through coding and themes. Main findings indicated that WDCs had fair knowledge about committees while the local community had little knowledge about WDCs. Results showed that most developmental projects were initiated by the local community. The findings also showed that the use of WDCs was one of the strategies used to implement the policy of decentralization, which aimed at taking power to the grassroots. One major recommendation of the study involves the need for the Zambian government, through local councils, to recognize the importance of sensitizing the community about community participation and the purpose of WDCs. There is need to carry out a research to find out provisions to be included in a WDC Act that would ensure an all- inclusive and holistic development in the Wards. Research into an allocation formula based on accurate information for the wards should also be carried out.