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Perceptions of program volunteers: Civic Participation towards Community Development: A case study of The Hunger Project-Ghana

Owusu Afriyie, Priscilla LU (2016) SGED10 20161
Department of Human Geography
Human Ecology
Abstract
The notions of civil society and participatory development have been increasingly incorporated in the contemporary development agenda. Increased citizenry participation is viewed to enhance individuals’ abilities to influence decision-making. The international development agencies reason that a shared ownership is the path towards sustainable development. However, the promised impact of increasing role of civil society and shared ownership raises also concerns among scholars, who argue that civil society is being manufactured to sustain the neoliberal vision of civil society and social action. In this thesis it is argued that the voices of participants are missing in the ongoing debate. Through a qualitative research based on observations... (More)
The notions of civil society and participatory development have been increasingly incorporated in the contemporary development agenda. Increased citizenry participation is viewed to enhance individuals’ abilities to influence decision-making. The international development agencies reason that a shared ownership is the path towards sustainable development. However, the promised impact of increasing role of civil society and shared ownership raises also concerns among scholars, who argue that civil society is being manufactured to sustain the neoliberal vision of civil society and social action. In this thesis it is argued that the voices of participants are missing in the ongoing debate. Through a qualitative research based on observations and interviews, the aim is to provide an additional insight by adding the perspectives of program participants. This case study of The Hunger Project-Ghana is an exploratory study of this community development program. Findings indicate that participatory practices have improved community development and empowered participants. Furthermore, increased service delivery through access to health care and community banks has enhanced the socio-economic livelihoods opportunities for locals. Nonetheless, the practice of participation has multiple implications and outcomes. Findings indicate that dynamics of empowerment and new responsibilities are emerging simultaneously thereby shaping the developmental outcomes. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Owusu Afriyie, Priscilla LU
supervisor
organization
course
SGED10 20161
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Civic Participation, Participatory development, Civil society, NGOs, THP-Ghana
language
English
id
8874040
date added to LUP
2016-06-23 09:05:46
date last changed
2016-06-23 09:05:46
@misc{8874040,
  abstract     = {{The notions of civil society and participatory development have been increasingly incorporated in the contemporary development agenda. Increased citizenry participation is viewed to enhance individuals’ abilities to influence decision-making. The international development agencies reason that a shared ownership is the path towards sustainable development. However, the promised impact of increasing role of civil society and shared ownership raises also concerns among scholars, who argue that civil society is being manufactured to sustain the neoliberal vision of civil society and social action. In this thesis it is argued that the voices of participants are missing in the ongoing debate. Through a qualitative research based on observations and interviews, the aim is to provide an additional insight by adding the perspectives of program participants. This case study of The Hunger Project-Ghana is an exploratory study of this community development program. Findings indicate that participatory practices have improved community development and empowered participants. Furthermore, increased service delivery through access to health care and community banks has enhanced the socio-economic livelihoods opportunities for locals. Nonetheless, the practice of participation has multiple implications and outcomes. Findings indicate that dynamics of empowerment and new responsibilities are emerging simultaneously thereby shaping the developmental outcomes.}},
  author       = {{Owusu Afriyie, Priscilla}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Perceptions of program volunteers: Civic Participation towards Community Development: A case study of The Hunger Project-Ghana}},
  year         = {{2016}},
}