Abstract

Despite the fact that a lot of research has been done about community development in relations to peacebuilding, there are a few studies available on the contribution of community development projects to peacebuilding process. The intention of this article is to start to fill the gap by investigating beneficiaries’ perceptions of the contribution of the community development projects to peacebuilding process in Terekeka State. The study adopted qualitative approach. Two community development projects were selected for the study, that is, South Sudan Livelihood and Development Project (SSLDP) and Food Security and Livelihood Project (FSLP). The total of respondents for the case of SSLDP was 38 individuals for in-depth interviews (30 were project participants while 8 were non-participants). With regards to FSLP, respondents totaled 22 individuals for in-depth interviews (18 were project participants while 4 were non-project participants). In addition, 32 key informants were interviewed. Focus Group Discussions were carried out with 64 respondents in total, for both projects studied. The results of the finding were discussed after the process of data collection, with the help of key informants. The study revealed actors’ positive perceptions of the contributions of community of development projects in sustainable peacebuilding which included nurturing friendly attitudes among the project participants, promoting unity and restoring positive communication, building confidence and trust, building sense of tolerance and love, overcoming fear and suspicions, enabling positive collaboration, creating bond between members, and enabling capacity building for peacebuilding engagement. 

Key words: Peacebuilding, community development, Terekeka State.