GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

ABSTRACT The paper examined the role of community based organization in the development of rural communities in Akwa Ibom State. The specific objectives were: to examine the structure of selected Community Based Organization (CBOs). To identify the contributions of the organizations to the development of rural communities which they operate and to identify the constraints encountered by the organizations. The President/Vice President of 15 CBOs that were registered or not registered. The major findings were: majority of the CBOs executed projects such as drainage, road repair, minor road construction, bore through the help from their contributions and levies, the major findings from constraints encountered by CBOs in their community development efforts were; lack of finance, high cost of materials and lack of government support. Based on the findings, it was recommended that government should make conscious effort towards supporting CBOs in community development projects, well to do individuals and elites that are indigenes of various communities should be encouraged to come and develop their immediate rural communities through monetary donations and use of their position to attract government incorporation of architectural practices will enhance infrastructural durability in rural areas. Key Words: Community Based Organization, Development, Rural Communities