KENYA WATER INSTITUTE

Definition, Meaning & Importance of Community Development

Community development is a process where people come together to take action on what's important
to them. It is the process of solving the environmental, economic, social, political, and public health
problems of a community. It is achieved by teamwork in a multi-sectoral approach that enhances the
cohesiveness, self-motivation, vitality, and viability of a community. This has worked well in many
settings in low- and middle-income nations.

Community development is rooted in the belief that all people should have access to good health,
wellbeing, wealth, justice and opportunity. It recognizes that some people, some groups and some
communities are excluded and oppressed by the way society and structures are organized. Community
development seeks to challenge this and ensure fairness for all citizens.

It is a broad term given to the practices of civic activists, involved citizens and professionals to build
stronger and more resilient local communities. CD seeks to empower individuals and groups of people
by providing them with the skills they need to effect change in their own life’s and communities.
These skills are often created through the formation of large social groups working for a common
agenda. Community developers must understand both how to work with individuals and how to affect
communities' positions within the context of larger social institutions. In practice, it seeks to:

1. Supports communities of place and identity, to use their own assets to improve the quality of
community life.

2. Helps communities and public agencies to work together to improve services and the way in which
decisions are made.

3. Community development is fundamentally based on the values of human rights, social justice,
equality and respect for diversity.

The principles which underpin its practice are:

1. Self-determination - people and communities have the right to make their own choices and
decisions.

2. Empowerment - people should be able to control and use their own assets and means to influence.

3. Collective action - coming together in groups or organizations strengthens peoples’ voices.

4. Working and learning together - collaboration and sharing experiences is vital to good community
activity.