Implementation of community mobilization and mindset change in the parish development model: a case study of Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District

Abstract

Community mobilization and mindset change involves engaging members of a community to determine who, what, and how issues are decided, and also to provide an avenue for everyone to participate in decisions that affect not only their lives but also their socio-economic development. The purpose of this study was to examine the implementation of community mobilization and mindset change in Parish Development Model (PDM). The focus of this study was three-fold; to examine the strategies used for community mobilization and mindset change of women in Nansana Municipality; to assess the relevance of community mobilization and mindset change to the needs of women in Nansana Municipality and; to explore the challenges of community mobilization and mindset change of women. The researcher used a case study design and applied quarter sampling method and data was collected by use of interviews. The findings of the study indicated that among the strategies used for community mobilization and mindset change include community radios, televisions, posters, trainings, sensitization, capacity building, etc. and these were put under three themes of media and communication channels, information dissemination and community engagement. The findings still indicated the relevance of community mobilization and mindset change of women. Women reported acquiring of new knowledge, sharing experiences, entrepreneurship development in terms of creating new businesses, formation of savings groups and their change in behavior and attitudes. However, for community mobilization and mindset change to be more effective, the study recommends more experienced trained trainers and other officials to ease the process of community mobilization and mindset change. The study also recommends the involvement of community members in decision making processes to bring about increased ownership and sustainability of the Parish Development Model programme. The study also recommends the use of mobilization strategies that are in favor of all the different categories of people the programme targets.