Participatory Practices and Community Empowerment: A case of Mede Participatory Learning and Action Pilot Project, Palaro Sub County, Gulu

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between Participatory Practices and Community Empowerment in Mede Parish, Palaro sub county in Gulu district; taking a case study of Participatory Learning and Action intervention approach piloted in Mede. Specifically the study assessed how effective Participatory Planning, Participatory Implementation and Participatory monitoring affect Community Empowerment in terms of Resource Ownership, Integrated Implementation and Sustained Practice. A cross sectional descriptive research methodological design was adopted to address a sample of 86 respondents across the study area. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and focused group discussion guides. These were later analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Findings revealed that Participatory Planning had positive relationship (71.7%) with Community Empowerment. Participatory implementation likewise had a positive relationship (63.8%) with Community Empowerment. Participatory Monitoring was positively significant to Community Empowerment explaining (40.4%). Conclusions of the study were that Participatory Practices significantly affect Community Empowerment. The study recommends that Participatory Practices be deliberately implemented and not as an emergency as was the case in Mede Parish. Besides Participatory Practices should not be left entirely in the hands of target population as it risks being misunderstood. Expert skills should be sought to give diversity of views and suggest workable solutions where appropriate.