Potential and limitations of stakeholders' participation in community-based projects - The case of Hanna Nassif roods and drains construction and maintenance in Dar es Salaam Tanzania

Stakeholders' participation in community-based projects is being practised by many communities, especially in developing countries. However, the potential and limitations of different levels end types of stakeholder participation still need some research. This paper tries to unveil lessons from a community-based project in Tanzania. It has been noted that a partnership approach involving several stakeholders has a potential to assist in local capacity-building, especially through the sharing of resources such as knowledge and information. It has also been noted that community-based organisations as key stakeholders, if trained, have a significant potential to manage and supervise effectively locally based, small, labour-intensive construction and maintenance activities, On the other hand, stakeholders from outside the community, including governments and donors, when involved in the initial stages of project conception are likely to dwarf or undermine contributions from the community. The paper concludes that there is a need for stakeholders in community-based projects (especially in community infrastructure projects) to seriously consider the affordability of the project and the community's willingness to participate in the maintenance and sustenance of the project outcomes.