Community participation in self-help
development projects in Taraba State was assessed. A
sample size of 250 respondents were sampled from the
Five Local Government Areas out of the Sixteen, drawn
through random sampling. The instrument for data
collection was a structured set of questionnaire. Data
collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical
techniques which was summarized with the use of SPSS
Software. The result of the study shows the presence of
projects executed by community self-help , as affirmed
by (90%) of the respondents. The level of participation
in self-help projects was high (60%) of respondents. It
was revealed that community sourced their funds for
self-help projects mostly through membership
contribution as affirmed by (48%) of the respondents,
while (26%) sourced from government assistance. The
finding revealed that inadequate finance (50%) ,
inadequate equipment (20%) and lack of credit facilities
(14%) of the respondents are the major constraints. The
finding of the study recommends that Government and
NGOs need to give more support in terms of technical
and financial assistance. Also the Philanthropist and
other Private Sectors need to demonstrate their
commitment in self-help projects, as well as the
Commercial Banks to give credit to the community for
self-help projects at minimum interest rate. These would
strengthen the community to participate in self-help
projects in the study area and Nigeria at large.