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Community Development Theories

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This book is grounded in Afrocentric community development theoretical framing and perspectives. It curates nuanced perspectives, experiences and case studies to anchor the discipline and practice ...
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  • 24 November 2026
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This book is grounded in Afrocentric community development theoretical framing and perspectives. It curates nuanced perspectives, experiences and case studies to anchor the discipline and practice in traditional worldviews, values, and knowledge systems that draw on ubuntu-based interconnectedness.

Focusing on community-led frameworks, such as asset-based community development and culturally aligned change, the book also addresses crosscutting issues, such as inclusion, gender empowerment, youth, sustainability and ethical and legal issues. Blending theory with practice, the book offers inspiration for scholars, policy makers and practitioners seeking to decolonise and strengthen community development theory and practice across Africa.

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Price: $127.95
Pages: 272
Publisher: Bristol University Press
Imprint: Policy Press
Publication Date: 24 November 2026
ISBN: 9781447380535
Format: Hardcover
BISACs: SOCIAL SCIENCE / General, Social groups, communities and identities, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Public Policy / City Planning & Urban Development, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Ethnic Studies / African Studies, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Developing & Emerging Countries, Development studies
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'This book is a bold step towards upscaling literature on the theory and practice of Community Development in and about Africa.' M. B. Shitu, Institute of Community Development Practitioners Nigeria

'The authors of the book evoke a deep sense of African spirit in the understanding of the theoretical framing, practice and perspectives of community development.' Halimu Shauri, Pwani University

'Authored by 24 practitioners and scholars who have been immersed in community development praxis in Africa is an essential read for all with an interest in creating inclusive human development and sustainable livelihoods.' Lucius Botes, North-West University

'This book gives an insightful, contemporary African perspective on community development. It will be useful to scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and students throughout Africa and beyond.' Laxmana Kiptoo, PBORA, Kenya

Daniel Muia is Senior Lecturer in Community Development at Kenyatta University, Kenya and Chair of the International Association for Community Development.

De Wet Schutte is Emeritus Professor in Community Development at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and a researcher at the Centre for Student Support Services, University of the Western Cape, South Africa.

Ekhosuehi Oghator is Professor of Development Administration and Policy at the University of Benin, Nigeria.

Introduction

Part I: Community Development Theory and Perspectives from an African Perspective

1. Redefining Community Development: An African Context - Daniel Muia, Boniface Munene Rufo and de Wet Schutte

2. Change Through Culture Framework for Community Development in Africa - Judi Aubel and Mamadou Coulibaly

3. Going Beyond Numbers in Community Development Theory and Practice - De Wet Schutte

4. Small Things Matter: Community Development as If People Mattered - Boniface Munene Rufo, Daniel Muia and de Wet Schutte

5. Building Communities: Care Is a Societal Issue - Bob Rhodes and Chris Brown

6. Opening the Circle: Inclusion at the Heart of Community Development - Nancy Biwott and John Cornwell

7. Legal and Ethical Issues in Community Development in Africa - Emmanuel Tawiah Tetteh

Part II: Community Development Practice and Perspectives from an African Reality

8. The Value of Asset-Based Citizen-Led Development (ABCD) as a Community Development Approach in South Africa - Amelia Visagie, Bernie Dolley, Janine Ward, Judith Demeshane, Judith Mtsewu and Teresa Opperman

9. Gender Empowerment: Operationalising Asset Based Community Development - Elohor Stephanie Onoge

10. Changing Roles of Women in Community Development in Africa - Lizzy Ihekerenma Ewumi

11. Building Houses or Communities: A Relative Disposition Model for Determining Housing Needs in Developing Communities - De Wet Schutte

12. Youth as the Catalyst of Community Development: Participatory Approaches to the Role of Youth in Development in Kenya and Tanzania - Bosco Juma, Dedi Mwita, John Cornwell, and Shamim Juma

13. Community Development and Sustainable Development: Its Nexus in Africa - Abdulkadir Inuwa Abdulkadir

14. The Future of Community Development in Africa - Daniel Muia and Stellah Masese