Giving voice: instigating debate on issues of citizenship, participation, and accountability

Author: Kafewo, Samuel Ayedime

Source: Development in Practice, Volume 19, Numbers 4-5, June 2009 , pp. 678-687(10)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

While there is a near unanimity on the need for participation, there is as yet no such agreement on the type and degree of participation to be adopted in projects. One thing that has never been doubted is the fact that local people have not been accorded their rightful recognition and respect by most intervention agencies, hence the failure of some projects. So, how does a project that seeks to address issues of citizenship, participation, and accountability using a variety of participatory methodologies fare, especially against the backdrop of a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and politically complex society like Nigeria? This paper examines the use of these methodologies, highlighting issues drawn out, and the successes and limitations of the findings for future research. Effective as the methods appeared to be, there were many questions and issues unanswered beyond the immediate mandate of the project, which beg for attention in order for the communities to move towards genuine development and stop open display of sometimes misplaced aggression.

Keywords: Governance and public policy; Civil society; Rights; Sub-Saharan Africa

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09614520902866454

Affiliations: 1: Department of Theatre and Performing Arts, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Publication date: 2009-06-01

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