Community Development as a Road Map for Promotion of Sustainable Development

Abstract

The sustainable development of rural communities in the third world countries have received varying levels of attention among parties interested in development discourse. As a result, various opinions have been expressed on the issue. But, the problem is, how can sustainable development be achieved in the country in order to ensure sustainable livelihoods for the poor whose living depend largely on natural resource-based livelihoods. This paper identifies the role community development can play towards promotion of sustainable development in Nigeria. The paper notes that ignorance and dependency are two main obstacles to change in the underdeveloped countries particularly in their rural areas. These factors tend to undermine even efforts doggedly carried out towards achieving social and economic development. The removal of these obstacles paves way for the sustainable development. In view of this, the paper identifies three specific community development activities which can be geared towards achieving this objective. In addition, some factors for consideration in programming were also suggested.