Community development is among the sectors in Njombe District council which deliver services to the community so as to enable the community to formulate, plan, implement and monitor their own economic development activities and have sustainable development. Also imparting community development knowledge and skills, gender equity and equality among different age and physical groups is the heart of the community development policy.
The Council through community development department has a great role of facilitating its community within all 12 wards in identifying their strength and capabilities in solving developmental problems. This is done in collaboration with private sectors under the motive of improving livelihood of the community by the use of scarce available resource.
Community development has authority to register social and economic groups and Non Government Organization and coordinate them. Currently we have 46 registered groups and 13 active local Non Government Organization. The Council has succeeded in facilitating the formation of youth and women economic groups and provides them with soft loans from Women and Youth Development Fund whereby the council contributes 10% of annual revenue collection to Women and Youth Development Fund. Since financial year 2006/2007.
The issues of major concern in community development and Social welfare:
Increasing prevalence of pandemic HIV/AIDS in the district.
Shortage of community development extension staffs at ward and village levels has caused few areas reached and attended.
Shortage of funds and transport facilities has made difficulties in spreading community development knowledge and skills.
Low priority in council fund allocation and budgetary ceilings.
Bad traditional practices to some community members.
Lack of Village and Ward Children Committees in some wards and villages.
Gender based violence are still done in the community.
Lack of entrepreneurships skills among the community.
Abuse and violence against children.
Gender inequality.
Lack of capital for economic activities to community member.
