Quality of participation in community groups in Kamuli District, Uganda: implications for policy and practice

Development interventions increasingly support active participation of community members especially through community-level groups. This article explores the quality of participation in community groups in a rural setting in Uganda, focusing on how members participate and the factors that facilitate or impede their participation. Data sources included 20 in-depth group interviews and related documentary evidence. Findings indicate that members participate best in groups where material benefits and capacity building opportunities are realized, and that groups successful in achieving project objectives tend to establish networks with other stakeholders. Low trust in leadership and unsuitable leadership styles inhibit participation quality. Based on these findings, the authors recommend that development programs work with community groups to identify and address capacity gaps, support establishment of networks with other stakeholders, and pursue strategies to institutionalize and sustain changes derived from program interventions.