Youth Participation in Community Development: A Case Study of Chimanimani West Constituency, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The protracted and deep rooted economic crises that has affected many countries in Africa has had a profoundly negative impact on the wellbeing of the young people growing up in the midst of the crisis. This study explores the role of youth participation in development processes. This is achieved through an examination of the old and latest developments in literature concerning young people’s identity, agency and experiences in community development. In particular, the study discuss the social, economic and political challenges faced by young people in terms of taking greater control over their own lives and contributing to the development of their communities and the country at large. The research was structured in five chapters the first chapter served to introduce the topic of the study. The objectives addressed by the research included to investigate the extent of youth participation in community development, to identify key challenges and to recommend mechanisms, processes and structures through which young people can participate in community development. Chapter two looked into the literature review and theory used. The participatory development theory was adopted, which emphasis bottom up approach ,the theory encourages participation of the community in development process Chapter three constituted the methodology used in the research, the research design adopted was purposive and snowballing sampling procedures. The research instruments were in-depth interviews, this gave the platform to participants to provide relevant information needed by the researcher. Chapter four included the findings, which included that the leaders view them as pawn and passive. They are not listened when developmental is being implemented. Chapter 5 include conclusion to the research and summary of findings. Recommendations are also made by the researcher, one the recommendations were that the Ministry of Youth should engage in educational programmes to increase youth participation.