AN ASSESSMENT OF SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING RURAL YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN TURKANA COUNTY – KENYA

Abstract

The interplay of local and international cultures enhances people's ability to adapt to external influences of sustainable action that can support sustainable global development programs and processes. Traditionally Turkana society has well-defined gender roles that appear to contradict inclusive and participatory approaches determined by government projects and interventions. Furthermore young people are looking for more economic opportunities and more property rights; however their participation in community development projects remains low compared to that of older people. The study sought to assess the influence of cultural values on youth participation in community development projects. Data were collected from a sample of 381 respondents using descriptive design research methods. The study revealed that gender roles and hierarchical interpersonal relationships in the local community is a major impediment towards community participation in development projects. The author recommends that the central role of youth in participatory planning should be promoted through creation of enabling environments that would adopt a holistic approach in addressing the political and sociocultural needs of the youth.