Title:
GROUP DYNAMICS MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: EVIDENCE OF NDAGBO WOMEN TOWN UNION GROUP IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Authors:
Obinna, Leo. O.

Abstract:
The contributions of Ndagbo Women Town Union Group (NWTUG) of Abia State, in community development were assessed by using primary data generated via structured questionnaire, focus group discussion and participant observations respectively. A sample size of 180 respondents comprising 60 men, 60 women, and 60 youths respectively was generated through stratified and multi- stage randomized sampling methods. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as means, frequency tables, percentages, ranks and Z - test scores respectively. Results revealed the mean age of the men's group 53.8 years as against 42 years and 30 years respectively for the women's and youths groups. About 75%, 80 % and 16.7 % respectively of the three groups of the respondents respectively were married. About, 95 % of the men's group attained one form of formal education or the other with a mean annual income of ?6,625,000.00 as against 91.7 % and ?140,316.00 for the women's group and 100 % and ?51,333.00 of the youths' respectively. Results further revealed that the members of the three groups participated highly (2.6, 3.1 and 2.5) respectively in the activities of their groups. Rural roads maintenance, building of markets, schools, health centre's, civic centre's, and organization of security respectively were identified as either on - going or completed rural development projects in the study area. The NWTUG contributed significantly in cultural entertainment, sanitation of open spaces, environmental management, family planning, assistance to orphans and elderly people and women mobilization among others. The Z - test for Ho1 = - 1.5 and Ho2 = - 1.7 respectively @ 5% alpha level, Ho1 and Ho2 are therefore, rejected and the alternatives accepted. The study recommended that Women Town Union Groups such as NWTUG be empowered legally and economically by the Local Government Administration since they have been found to be agents of rural transformation mostly in the study area.