Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the effect of community participation on sustainability of rural water projects in Delta Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria. The study was concentrated in the rural settlements where water projects were executed. The community citizens were rarely often or always involved in the various stages of the projects as the community development committees’ executives represented the communities. In most communities, the water projects were funded by the respective communities and other bodies. Those counter partly funded were highly sustainable than those solely funded by governments. The various communities were mostly organized through formation of community development committees, weekly meetings and formation of social groups. There was significantly relationship between participation and sustainability of water projects (r-cal = 0.652 and r-critical = 0.632). It is recommended that the level of participation in projects should be increased; and the communities should continue with their methods of organization with more emphasis on regular conference and institution of sanctions/rewards to encourage citizens to participate in development projects.

Key words: Effect, community participation, sustainability, rural, water, projects.