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Political Implications of Community DevelopmentSylva AA Irnadiastputri 0906657256

What are the effects of the political system, the organized use of power, on community development programs?

C O L O N I A L I S M

Colonialism

In all colonies, major decisions in government were made by officials of the metropolitan power, either by local officials or by a board directive.

The outward form of national power doesnt alone determine the feasibility of local initiative

Neo-Colonialism

Attemps by former metropolitan powers to maintain, usually by economic stratagems, despite the formal transfer of political power

The prospects for community development in any non-self-governing territory are defined as much by the character of the metropolitan power as by the local situation

In South Africa the Natal Valley Trust, headed by Dr. Stott, has for many years promoted better health in a Zulu reserve, apparently with participation by the local Zulus, who have come to appreciate the services offered.

What is consider as community development?

When is community development to be regarded as successful?

Communist Governments

Economic development is regarded as best served by direct state action

Communism virtually excludes the possibility of community development, as decisions are made by the leaders and imposed on the people

Socialism and One Party Government

Socialist governments have a strong belief in the value and necessity of encouraging people to participate in all levels of government

collective action and local democracy are not incompatible israel socialist

Ideological statements seldom clarify what degree of local initiative will be tolerated

Ghana

Growth and concentration of political power affect (CPP-Convention People Party) the community development program:The transformation of local administrative into CPP agents directly altered the course of community development, for it was the district commisioners and regional commisioners who made recommendations on proposals emanating from village development committees.The effectiveness and the morale of the community development officials suffered in the political climate, which was one of mounting suspicion and fear.The activities of community-development officials were diverted into channels that were politically desirable, but often irrelevant to what should have been the main aims of the department.

Independence euphoria resulted in a marked increase of interest in certain activities

Tanzania

Village Resettlement Plan 1962 ended in 1966 , reasons:High capital cost and the resulting indebtednessFull of complaints and demand

Modest programs, structured organization, and some local autonomy are more likely to promote development than grandiose national projects relying too heavily on self-help or brotherhood

Weak Governments

The weakness may be advantageous in eliminating governmental interference, but it more likely to be severe handicap, limiting the national supply of funds, materials, and technical advice, hindering international cooperation, and impeding planning in accordance with national goals.

Another category of weak governments: those whose weakness stems from a high degree of dependence on another nation.

Authoritarian Governments

Prospect may exist, but only in limited fields and with officials who possess an abudance of caution, tact, and sensitivity

Internal Conflicts

Internal conflicts certainly hinders, and may even prevent, community development.Local Political Organization

People accustomed to authority will more readily accept suggestion, which are likely to be translated as directives.------------------

While lacking this tradition of acceptance, do have a more fundamental egalitarianism, which is in the long run may be more congenial to the democratic ideology of community development.

International Aid

The most obvious starting point is the political influence exerted on the donor country to give aid

Nonpolitical agencies

UN through its various agencies, is a very potent force in community development

The ideal political climate for a community-development program would include a stable, representative, and socially progressive government; relaxed international relations; absence of violence opposition; and a large measure of consensus and support for the government.

Community development is vulnerable to many political forces which may prevent or delay success