QUESTION 6 You are part of a community development team working on a local project aimed at improving access to clean water. The project is designed to involve community members in planning, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation. However, you and your team have noticed several challenges that are preventing full community participation. · Based on this scenario, identify at least five obstacles that can hinder participatory development. (5 marks) · For each obstacle you identify, explain how it negatively affects community involvement and the overall success of participatory development efforts. (5 marks) Sub-Total [10 marks] Readings: Study Guide, Learning Unit 4

Question 1: What are five obstacles that can hinder participatory development in a community project?

Five obstacles include: lack of trust among community members, insufficient communication, limited access to information, cultural barriers, and power imbalances.

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Question 2: How does each obstacle negatively affect community involvement and the overall success of participatory development efforts?

1. Lack of trust: This can lead to skepticism about the project's intentions, causing community members to withdraw from participation.
2. Insufficient communication: Poor communication can result in misunderstandings and a lack of clarity about roles, discouraging involvement.
3. Limited access to information: When community members lack information, they may feel uninformed and unable to contribute meaningfully to discussions.
4. Cultural barriers: Differences in cultural norms and values can create misunderstandings and alienate certain groups, reducing overall participation.
5. Power imbalances: Dominance by certain individuals or groups can marginalize others, leading to unequal participation and a lack of diverse perspectives in decision-making.