Challenges Impeding Public Participation for the Development of Urban Communities in Nigeria

Objectives: To identify the fundamental challenges by examine individual-based factors affecting public participation programme initiated by government for the development of urban economy in traditional cities of developing countries. Methods/Statistical Analysis: In this study, 344 questionnaires were administered using systematic random sampling to select the participants which comprises of planning officers, traditional leaders, youth leaders and, household heads. Descriptive statistics technique is adopted in data analysis to examine the factors militating against public participation initiated by government for the development of Bida traditional city in Nigeria. Findings: Findings reveal that, socio-economic barriers are the most conspicuous and significant impediments affecting citizens to participate in government-based initiative programmes for the development of human communities. Evidences from this study shows that, it is very imperative for enlightening residents of traditional cities about the significance of the programme and their role to guarantee required and expected development in urban economy. This enlightenment could also alleviate the impact of socio-economic factors affecting the programme in developing countries, especially traditional cities. Applications/Improvement: For a traditional city which requires a relatively high number of redevelopment prorammes, effective public participation would facilitate achievement and maintenance of urban development. This study suggests areas of promoting public participation which could be used by the practitioners and law makers in the development of Bida traditional city in Nigeria.