1. Community Development
MPH 541
Lecture 12:
Community Development
and
Social Mobilization
Dr J. I. Sitali

2. Lecture Outline Introduction. Key definitions.
Philosophy of community development.
Community development and HP.
Community development approach.
Activities of community development.
Dilemmas in community development practice.

3. Introduction Community: Desirable concept in PH.
Defined in terms of geography, culture and social stratification.
Other features: social networks, people’s skills or knowledge.

4. Key Definitions
Community development A process by which a community identifies its needs or objectives, orders (or ranks) these needs or objectives, develops the confidence and will to work at these needs or objectives, finds the resources (internal and / or external) to deal with these needs or objectives, takes action in respect to them, and in so doing extends and develops co-operative and collaborative attitudes and practices in the community. (Ross, 1955)

5. Key Definitions Community Participation
The involvement of people in the community in the formal processes of policy making and implementation.
Participation can vary from low to high levels of involvement.

6. Key Definitions Outreach
The extension of a professional service into the community in order to make it more accessible.
Determined by professional priorities and focused on obtaining outcomes determined by professionals.

7. Key Definitions Community Health Projects
Projects organized to meet people’s health needs in the community.
Projects may be independent e.g. self-help or voluntary projects, or located within the statutory services.

8. Key Definitions Community Development for Health
A process by which a community defines its own health needs, considers how those needs can be met and decides collectively on priorities for action.

9. Philosophy of Community Development
Commitment to equality.
Emphasis on participation and enablement.
Emphasis of lay knowledge & value of personal experience.
Collective experience & sharing of problems.
Empowerment through education, skills development and sharing joint action.

10. Community Development and HP
Note relationship between poverty, health and inequalities in service provision.
Neighborhoods as settings for HP.
Link between vibrant communities and good health.
Evidence of health enhancing effects of social support and community involvement.

11. Community Development Approach
1. User led.
Targets issues the community identifies as priorities.
Community development worker facilitates and supports this process.
2. Focuses on process.
personal development, skills development, practical support.

12. Community Development Approach
Focuses on the needs of disadvantages and vulnerable groups.
Acknowledges health inequalities.
Focuses on social determinants of health.
Aims to empower people.
Tries to influence social, economic, political and environmental factors.

13. Activities of Community Development
Formal participation in decision-making mechanisms.
Community action.
Facilitating processes which enable the community.
Professional and community interface.
Strategic support.

14. Dilemmas in Community Development Practice.
Funding.
Accountability.
Acceptability.
Role of the professional.

15. The end!