Assessment of Non-Indigenes Participation in Community Development Projects in Port Harcourt Metropolis of Rivers State

Abstract

This study assessed non-indigenes participation in community development projects in Port Harcourt metropolis of 
Rivers State. Three research objectives and three research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive
survey design with a population of 3,623 members of non-indigenous associations in Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt
Local Government Areas of Rivers State. A sample size of 500 members of 10 non-indigene associations was selected 
using the proportionate stratified sampling technique. A validated 40-item structured questionnaire with reliability 
index of 0.86 was the instrument for data collection in the study. The data collected were analyzed using mean and 
standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that non-indigenes actively participate in educational 
development and community empowerment programmes. However, they are passively involved in community health 
development initiatives. Based on the findings of the study, the study recommended among others that indigenes of 
Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City LGAs should always include non-indigene residents in the communities in
community development projects because such inclusive participation increasesthe chances of projects’ sustainability