Abstract:
This study aimed to assess factors that hinder community engagement in rural development
projects, focusing on Meta Robi Woreda. Community participation is a critical component in the
success and sustainability of rural development projects. The target population consisted of all
individuals residing in Meta Robi Woreda. Both purposive and stratified random sampling
techniques were employed to select samples from the target population, resulting in a total of 368
respondents being included in the study. Descriptive survey designs were used, incorporating both
qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze the data. The collected data was analyzed using
descriptive and inferential Statistics.The research identifies factors such as socioeconomic
conditions, leadership and governance, financial constraints, and awareness that influence
participation levels.Findings reveal that community participation practices in rural development
projects are low due to limited awareness, financial constraints, and weak governance structures.
Political trust and local leadership play significant roles in encouraging or hindering
participation. The study recommends strategies to enhance participation, such as strengthening
local governance, promoting inclusive decision-making, providing financial and technical
support, and fostering greater awareness through education and training. The research concludes
that improving community participation is essential for the long-term success of rural development
projects and that a collaborative, inclusive approach is key to ensuring that projects meet the
needs of the rural population
