Themes in Contemporary Community Development in Africa: A Multi-Disciplinary Perspective

Abstract

The authors provide an overview of the theoretical and historical development of community development in Kenya and other regions of the African continent. Early initiatives in the discipline were targeted at improving the deplorable conditions of the rural poor as well as deprived urban dwellers, particularly, those residing in urban informal settlements. More chapters are dedicated to pointing out the inevitable nexus between community development, and education and literacy. Indeed, education and communication are presented as indispensable tools in addressing the key concerns of community development including poverty eradication, enhanced participation, promotion of gender equality, peace and mutual co-existence, better health and sanitation practices and protection of the environment. Other themes addressed in this book include the benefits resulting from actively engaging the community members in the public policy making process.