The roles of faith-based organizations (fbos) in community development

a study of Awka South Local Government Area Anambra State

Abstract

Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) are ideally expected to contribute to the development of their host communities and wellbeing of members of such communities. This study assessed the roles that Faith Based Organization has played towards Community Development (CD) in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra state, Southeast Nigeria, The study also examined challenges that confront them and identified some strategies to be adopted in order to ensure smooth administration of these organizations in providing community development. The sample size for the study was 200 respondents. The questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using the descriptive method of qualitative data analysis. The roles of FBOs include education, medical care provision, emergency relief, housing care of the elderly, training, shelter homeless, care of the widows, hospice care, food pantries, welfare-to-work, job training refuge services, child care, and preschool, etc. However, these roles of the FBOs are not really felt so much in society. It was recommended that FBOs should partner with the government, donors, other faith-based groups, and technical organizations as a way of leveraging FBOs assets and scaling up current efforts to be more effective in the community. They should plan effectively, this includes developing an understanding of community assets and needs that inform a strategic vision for change. Their internal planning should match their resources, programs, and applicable requirements for successful implementation of their vision.