ASSESSING COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN RURAL ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME IN THE TANO NORTH DISTRICT OF GHANA

ABSTRACT 

There is a growing recognition that community participation is a very important element in achieving the goals of the poverty reduction programmes. But is it only in theory or also in practice? This study assessed community participation in the Rural Enterprise Programme (REP) to enhance participation and poverty reduction.  A  total  of  72  respondents  consisting  of  programme  beneficiaries, staff of REP and opinion leaders constituted the sample for the study. Data were collected using in-depth interview, key informant and focus group discussion was qualitatively analysed using narrations and documents. The study shows that  beneficiaries  participated  in  only  implementation  and  monitoring  and evaluation stages and their level of participation was low. Beneficiaries were not empowered to take initiative themselves resulting in a minimal effect of REP on poverty reduction. The sustainability strategies of REP are not effective because  beneficiaries  were  not  involved.  The  study  recommends  that  REP should involve beneficiaries more in their programme. Start up kits should be given to new trainees to enable them put the skills they have acquired into use. Beneficiaries should be involved in the sustainability strategies to make it more effective.