Comparing Operational Dynamics of Community-based Organisations in Geographically Contrasting Areas of Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract: Community-Driven Development (CDD) is a development approach which gives control of development decisions and resources to community groups. Community-based Organisations (CBOs) are the driving force of this development approach. This paper compares the mode of operation of CBOs in two geographically contrasting areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. Akure South Local Government Area (LGA), an urban hinterland, was compared with Ilaje LGA, a rural coastland. Stratified sampling was employed to gather data from 46 CBOs in the study areas with the aid of a questionnaire which was administered to elicit information from executive members of the CBOs. Data processing involved uni-variate analysis resulting in tables and charts to arrive at various conclusions. Findings revealed among others that there was a high level of dependence by CBOs in the rural coastland on the government for external funding while in contrast there was greater diversification in fund sourcing in the urban hinterland. Recommendations include evolving strategies such as operation of multipurpose cooperative stores by CBOs in the rural coastland to improve financial base in order to meet the needs of members and facility needs of host communities.