HOME IMPROVEMENTS;

ROLE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS (CDA)

RAIMI ISMAIL and SALAMI MAYOWA
M. Sc. (In View)
Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences,
University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos Nigeria

Key words: Community, Development, Community Development Association,

Home Improvement

INTRODUCTION

Development arguably has been the most and essentially sort after outcome among
government and people. Even the day to day activities of government seem to be
focused on how to bring about better standards of living, increase per-capital income
and provide an increase in other indices of development. Community development
activities date back to early years of civilization, even before the advent of the
colonial administration, when people had at different times, organized themselves
into groups and had used communal resources to provide physical improvement and
functional facilities in their communities. Since the early years of human societies,
communities have earnestly sought out ways to improve their standards of living
through self-help efforts otherwise known as community development activities
under the umbrella of community development association. Community
development is a demonstration of people’s capacity and willingness to participate,
on their own initiative, in the tasks of identifying and prioritizing community needs
(e.g. socioeconomic, political and environmental); planning and implementing
programmes aimed at meeting the needs; and improving their living conditions with
or without external assistance (Peterman, 2000; Musa, 2005). Most CDAs operate in
communities with limited resources or access to public services.

Community development associations (CDAs) or corporations (CDCs) exist to

‘develop’ or ‘improve’ an area and its residents by providing basic services such as
health care, education and other forms of social development. In most cases, CDAs
are officially designated as ‘private voluntary’ or ‘non-governmental’ associations;
however, these labels should be applied with some skepticism especially in non-
democratic or under-developed countries.

Nevertheless, CDAs play an important role in the life of locals, especially in 'weak'
states where official government structures or bodies are non-existent, unwilling, or
unable to provide assistance or basic social services.

Provision and Improvement of Housing on the other hand is to stimulate thinking

about the ways in which investment in the process of housing can benefit the poor,
how development interventions focused on housing are associated with complexity
of both input and impact. Improved health, employment, livelihoods, education,
wellbeing and citizenship are among some of the associated outcomes. Many high-
cost cities, towns, and counties or those that include high-cost neighborhoods also
have neighborhoods characterized by high rates of poverty and disinvestment that
could benefit from community development efforts.

Such efforts could include, for example, investments in strengthening public schools
or in creating public parks, libraries and other community institutions; investments in
beautification and streetscape improvements; and investments in housing options
that help to foster a mixed-income population.

In cities, towns, and counties that include neighborhoods with a range of different
conditions, a neighborhood-by-neighborhood analysis can be a useful way to
determine where to focus on preserving and expanding affordable housing as a
primary goal, and where it might be appropriate to focus more on community
development activities.

It is therefore pertinent to review the role of community development associations

in the assistance of home improvements to residents of their communities
LITERATURE REVIEW

Community Development Associations (CDAs) or 'Corporations' are voluntary, long-

standing organizations that play a crucial role in the maintenance and advancement
of residential areas. While CDAs have existed in Nigeria for a considerable period, it
was not until 2008, with the enactment of the Community Development Associations
Law of Lagos State, that they attained legal status. This legal recognition arguably
enhanced their capacity to fulfill their objectives.

Under this law, CDAs regularly engage in discussions with local and state government
authorities. However, this follows a series of activities that encompass routine
meetings with their members to deliberate on their programs and projects,
identification of prevalent needs, and active participation in community
development initiatives. These endeavors have, in certain cases, yielded positive
outcomes. Akinsorotan and Olujide (2007) have documented several self-help
projects undertaken by CDAs, including the establishment of health facilities, market
stalls, roads, schools, post offices, wells, boreholes, piped water systems, and
electricity.

Evidently, self-help projects are not exclusive to CDAs, as various other social groups
such as Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), youth associations, age grade
groups, women's associations, and professional associations are also involved in
similar initiatives. This shared objective can make it challenging to distinguish CDAs
from these common interest groups. Nevertheless, CDAs stand apart due to their
legal status, often informally considered as the fourth tier of government within the
country. Their legal recognition grants them specific rights and privileges as long as
they operate in accordance with the principles of the law.

Despite a limited number of empirical studies highlighting some achievements of

CDAs, these successes do not seem to meet expectations, given the deep-rooted
connections CDAs now have with the government. Although CDAs are present in all
twenty Local Government Areas in Lagos State, communities continue to grapple
with development challenges spanning health, security, environmental issues, and
infrastructure. The inability of CDAs to effectively address these communal issues
raises questions about their relevance to national development.

WHY THE NEED TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF HOMES / HOUSING?

Most people would like to live in bigger or better housing. It’s the reason
homeowners “buy up” as they become more affluent, and the reason renters think
about becoming homeowners. Furthermore, improving housing is almost always
seen as a positive by the community, and makes a huge difference in the lives of
people who can move out of an unsafe, deteriorating apartment into a clean, safe,
well-maintained one. There are, in fact, a large number of specific reasons for
improving the quality of housing, a few of which are:

 It adds to the physical and social attractiveness of the area. Better housing
looks better, and makes people feel good about moving into the area.

 It increases property values. This is good for homeowners – who typically have
more of their net worth tied up in their home than anywhere else – for
developers, who stand to gain more from their investment, and for the
community, which increases its tax base, and can therefore offer more services.

 Improved housing increases pride in the neighborhood for everyone. That

attitude often leads to everyone taking better care of their property, whether
they own or rent, and can change the character of the neighborhood for the
better.

 Well-built housing is kinder to the environment. If it’s planned and built in an

environmentally responsible way, improved housing can conserve energy and
resources, provide residents with a healthier and safer place to live, and last
generations.

 Improving the quality of housing is cheaper for both the developer and the
community in the long run. Planning and building well will reduce maintenance
and repair costs, saving the developer money over time. Improved, well-
 managed housing is also likely to have social consequences that save money for
the community as well – lower violence and vandalism rates, and fewer social
problems in general, as well as eventual neighborhood development and
increased tax revenues.

 Improved housing can increase the potential or actual workforce in the area.
By providing housing close to area jobs, it increases the number of people
available to fill those jobs.

 It can preserve open space and/or reuse unused, previously-built space. With
the use of cluster housing and other strategies, improved housing can preserve
or create open space for residents, or even the whole neighborhood, to enjoy.
In some cases, it can turn an eyesore into a community asset.

 It can replace or restore an aging housing stock. Buildings, like people, have a
life span, and when it’s over, they need to be replaced. Some are simply in need
of a makeover. Others really have reached the end of their useful lives and
should be demolished. In either case, the building or site can be turned into
improved housing, either via restoration or via rebuilding on or near the original
site. This action creates housing that will last through several future
generations.

 Improving the quality of housing can be part of a plan for anticipating the
growth of the community. Providing more quality housing will both hedge
against and attract population growth. The character of the housing can guide
that growth: the affordability, size, and location of housing can help determine
who its residents will be.

 Improving the quality of housing is the right thing to do. Everyone has a right
to an adequate, weathertight, and safe place to live. In most developed
countries, the free market will supply those places for people who can afford
them. For those who can’t afford them, the society should provide basic
housing that meets those criteria for all people.
HOUSING-RELATED INTERVENTIONS THAT CAN BE A PART OF THE CDA
COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH INCLUDE:

Housing-related interventions that can be a part of the Community Development

Association (CDA) comprehensive approach to home improvements include:

 Home repair and Maintenance Programs: CDAs can organize programs that
provide assistance with essential home repairs and maintenance for low-income
residents. This may include fixing leaky roofs, repairing plumbing and electrical
issues, and ensuring homes are weatherproof.
 Weatherization Initiatives: Weatherization programs help improve a home's
energy efficiency, which can lower utility bills for residents. CDAs can provide
insulation, weather-stripping, and energy-efficient windows and doors.
 Accessibility Modifications: For elderly or disabled residents, making homes
more accessible is crucial. CDAs can install ramps, widen doorways, and make
other modifications to enhance accessibility and improve the quality of life for
those with mobility challenges.
 Home Rehabilitation Loans and Grants: CDAs can offer financial assistance to
residents to help them finance major home rehabilitation projects. These loans or
grants can be targeted toward low-income households in need of extensive
repairs.
 Home Improvement Workshops: Organizing workshops on various DIY home
improvement projects can empower residents to take on minor repairs and
enhancements themselves. This not only saves money but also builds community
skills.
 Community Clean –Up and Beautification: CDAs can mobilize volunteers to clean
up and beautify neighborhoods. This can involve removing litter, planting trees
and gardens, and painting or repairing community spaces.
 Affordable Housing Construction: In collaboration with local authorities and
developers, CDAs can be involved in building new affordable housing units in the
community. This is a more proactive approach to addressing housing needs.
 Homeownership Assistance: CDAs can provide resources and guidance to renters
who aspire to become homeowners. This may include financial literacy education,
down payment assistance, and connections to affordable mortgage programs.
 Community Safety Measures: Promoting home security and community safety
can be part of home improvement. This might include installing outdoor lighting,
securing windows and doors, or collaborating with local law enforcement on
safety initiatives.
 Environmental Sustainability: Encouraging eco-friendly home improvements,
such as solar panel installation, rainwater harvesting, or sustainable landscaping,
can contribute to both cost savings for residents and environmental
responsibility.
 Emergency Repair Funds: CDAs can establish funds to assist residents in
emergencies, such as repairing a burst pipe or replacing a broken furnace during
extreme weather conditions.
 Partnership with Local Contractors: Collaborating with local contractors or
tradespeople to offer discounted services to community members can make
home improvements more accessible.
 Home Improvement Grants: CDAs can seek grants from government agencies or
charitable organizations to fund specific home improvement projects for low-
income residents.

• Enhance the quality and aesthetic appeal of existing housing and its
surroundings: Initiatives aimed at enhancing the condition and appearance of
housing in community development areas play a pivotal role in ensuring home
safety, prolonging their longevity, and potentially elevating the overall quality of
life for local residents. Well-maintained properties send a clear signal that the
neighborhood is under observation, potentially deterring potential wrongdoers
from engaging in criminal activities. Simple enhancements such as improved
lighting, strategic landscaping (including trimming overgrown shrubs), and efforts
to enhance curb appeal are effective measures to enhance safety and discourage
 criminal behavior. These investments are also crucial for retaining families with
moderate incomes and attracting a diverse range of income levels.

• Explore investments in the construction of new rental housing units. In areas

with notably low income levels, developments benefiting from Low Income
Housing Tax Credits can attract individuals with moderate incomes above the
local median, contributing to a more diversified income spectrum. The
establishment of various types of affordable rental housing can also be a valuable
component of a comprehensive community development strategy, as long as the
overall investment in the neighborhood is substantial enough to alter its
trajectory. In such cases, affordable housing is essential to ensure that low and
moderate-income families can still access the neighborhood as it undergoes
improvements. However, it is crucial to ensure that the broader community
reinvestment plan, encompassing non-housing aspects, is well-structured and
adequately funded. Often, the investment in the neighborhood falls far short of
what is required to change its trajectory or promised resources fail to materialize.

• Encourage homeownership as a means to stabilize communities. Cities, towns,

and nations can introduce incentives for households that purchase homes in
designated revitalization areas. This approach serves to diversify the income mix
and promote neighborhood stability. Through partnerships with local nonprofit
organizations, authorities can also aid current renters in the area in their
transition to homeownership by offering homeownership education, counseling,
and down payment assistance.

These housing-related interventions should be tailored to the specific needs of the

community and should consider the demographic, economic, and social factors that
influence housing conditions in the area. CDAs can play a pivotal role in improving
the quality of housing and the overall living conditions for residents in their
communities.
TOOLS THAT CAN PROMOTE HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS IN LOW-INCOME
NEIGHBOURHOODS

This exhibit illustrates how various tools can be utilized to facilitate community
development in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Neighborhood-level
rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs), accumulating savings and credit
associations (ASCRA), and their variations (such as stokvels in southern Africa,
seettuva in Sri Lanka, and susu in West Africa) are collectively managed funds where
members take turns acting as creditors and debtors. All members contribute money
to a common fund and then take their turns to withdraw from it. These funds are
distributed among members according to their agreed-upon rules. Effective
management of the fund and the establishment of entry barriers rely on
interpersonal relationships and the social and cultural norms that govern them.

Typically, these funds are relatively small to ensure that all members can contribute
regularly and equally. However, they are still substantial enough for members to
make significant one-time purchases, making them a suitable source for financing
small-scale housing projects. Nevertheless, the sporadic nature of one-off loans from
the fund is usually inadequate for anything beyond incremental housing
improvements, such as adding one room at a time when financial resources allow.
Research has shown that funds from ROSCAs are often complemented by loans from
friends, family, and moneylenders. Membership in a ROSCA sometimes serves as
collateral, which, for some borrowers, can lead to a cycle of debt, heightened
vulnerability, and distressed behavior due to peer pressure and repayment demands.

Access to these groups requires strong social networks and high levels of trust
among members. While savings groups can strengthen or reinforce these social
bonds, they may unintentionally exclude newcomers to an area or minority groups
within the community. As Smet (2000) noted, these funds can be effective for certain
people under specific conditions. Furthermore, withdrawing money from these
schemes can be challenging, making it difficult for the poor to manage unexpected
costs and risks.
Ferguson and Smet (2010) added to this understanding by discovering that different
sources of informal finance were used at various stages of home construction. They
found that as people's housing projects progressed, the number of funding sources
decreased, with initial improvements requiring more sources of finance.
Unfortunately, many of these funding sources are unreliable in the long term and
typically come with high repayment costs. This limits their potential to drive
transformative improvements in housing for low-income individuals. However,
informal finance plays a crucial role in the housing finance ecosystem and is
indispensable alongside formal financial options. With the growing urban
population's increasing demand for finance, a combination of reliable medium- to
long-term finance and accessible informal funds is essential.

ROSCAs represent one facet of the low-income finance market that has proven
effective for financing housing improvements. Early research on ROSCAs found that
members could leverage their membership to gain access to other funding sources.
While this finding initially focused on individuals, recent innovations in housing
finance have extended this principle to groups. In neighborhoods where savings and
credit groups are prevalent, they demonstrate organization, financial capability, and
financial management capacity. With the assistance of well-connected community-
based organizations (CBOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), groups of
urban poor residents can negotiate access to better credit terms and receive
support, including political backing, for housing development. Taking a collective
approach to finance organization and management for low- and middle-income
groups is a powerful means of innovation in this sector.
CONCLUSION

The paper explored home improvements and focused on the role of community
development associations in the development process and presented visioning as a
specific process used by a growing number of communities to guide their futures.
The study examined previous literatures on the subject, the reason to improve the
quality of homes, housing related interventions that can be a part of the community
development association comprehensive approach and also tools that can promote
housing improvements in low – income neighbourhoods. The opportunities and
challenges that exist for CDA involvements and factors that might help or hinder
within the community were examined. However, there are a wide variety of
processes and tools that are used by community development associations. There is
no single right method that will work in all communities at all times. There is need to
find an adapting process to different situations and context.
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