Relationship between Economic Status of Members of Community Based Associations and Their Level of Participation in Development Projects in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study determined the relationship between economic status of members of Community Based Associations (CBAs) and their level of participation in development projects in Kwara state, Nigeria. Three objectives were raised, one research question answered and two hypotheses tested. The study used survey as well as correlation research designs. The population of the study was 15,000 members of 496 CBAs in Kwara State but only 1170 were selected as sample for the purpose of the study while 1008, respondents who completed the instrument adequately were used for the analysis. The sample was selected using multi-stage sampling technique. An instrument ‘tagged’ economic status and participation questionnaire (ESPQ) was used to collect the data analysed. The instrument was validated and tested for reliability using odd-even reliability technique. A reliability coefficient of 0.761 obtained was found to be statistically significant at P<0.05. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentages and weighted scores were used in answering the research question. Multiple correlation analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to test the hypotheses. All decisions were taken at probability level of 0.05. First, the study found that the level of participation was 2.62 (52.4%) on a scale of 5 which was considered to be high. Second, the relationship between economic status and level of participation was statistically significant at F (5,1002) = 23.422.  Third, the variables of the economic status explained 10.5 percent of the variation in the level of participation with employment, access to water and transportation making statistically significant contributions. Based on the findings recommendations were made. Among others, it was recommended that enabling environment should be created for members to be employed.

Keywords: Economic Status, Community Based Associations, Participation, Development Projects, Kwara State, Nigeria