Review of the Participatory and Community-Based Approach in the Housing Cooperative Sector

Abstract

The chapter presents a theoretical overview of the participatory practice within non-profit rental housing cooperatives and the basic operational principles behind them. It stresses the importance of the societal perspective of such practice, with regard to individual benefits of the residents as well as the potential for a fairer and sustainable urban development on a broader scale beyond the provision of housing. Housing cooperatives form an integral part of housing provision systems in various parts of the world. While their organisational models may vary considerably, all generally abide to the organisational and normative principles of cooperatives, which entail the basics of participatory practices on more than just one level. They promote active citizenship through direct democratic principles in housing provision and the formation of housing policies. Furthermore, cooperatives promote member participation through all stages: planning, construction and later in management of the residents. Such organisational model stresses the importance of good communication skills that allow cooperation and consequently give rise to social capital and trust among members.

Basic residential neighborhood infrastructure financing in Nigeria urban cities: Community development associations (CDAs)-based approach

“…From the context of self-help, Ogundipe (2003) and Ibem (2009) expressed the approach in two ways: firstly, as a reaction from the people neglected by the government in the provision of basic social and economic infrastructure facilities and secondly, as a reflection of the level of awareness among the people on the government and its activities and programs, including its limitations. Afigbo (2000) and Rojs et al (2020) added that it is a development strategy in which people of common goals in the community promote development based on self-assessment aimed at bringing positive changes to the immediate environment. Musa (2005) posited that the community-based approach entails the willingness of the people to participate in identifying and prioritizing the community's needs, in planning and implementing programs aimed at meeting their needs and in improving their condition of living.…”