Gender participation and Information Sources Constraints in Community Development in Edo State, Nigeria

This study assessed gender participation and information sources constraints in community development in Edo State, Nigeria. It identified the on-going development projects; examined gender participation in community development; and information sources constraints to gender participation in community development (CD). Data were collected from 323 respondents (182 males and 141 females) using multistage sampling procedure from 18 communities across the 3 three agro ecological zones (Edo North, South and Central) in the State by means of structured questionnaire. Analysis of data was done using frequency count, percentages, means, while hypothesis was tested using t-test. Majority (61.0%) of males and females (53.2%) attested that renovation of primary schools was on-going community development projects. There was high level of gender participation in community development. Inadequate interest to use of ICT tools (????? = 4.13) was the major constraints faced by the males while lack of awareness on information sources (????? =4.51) was the major constraints faced by the females. There was significant difference in gender participation in community development. The study concluded that there was a difference in the participation of males and females in community development with females having higher degree of participation and their level of awareness and accessibility to information sources to community development were almost the same but differs significantly in their utilization and preference for information sources.The study recommends that effective community development includes considering socio-economic characteristics, enhancing information access, and addressing gender specific needs and roles. Received: 31 January 2026 / Accepted: 28 February 2026 / Published: March 2026