Abstract

Abstract

Ashraf Younis Mohammed Ahmed " A study of some factors affecting community development associations (CDAs) in rural Egypt, unpublished PH.D thesis, Ain Shams University, Faculty of Agriculture, Rural Sociology and Agriculture Extension department, 2004.

The study aimed at determining the efficiency degree of CDAs and most important factors affecting its efficiency, besides determining the problems facing CDAs and finally techniques to confront such problems.
Three districts (markazes) from Dakhlia governorate were chosen. Data were collected by personal interview questionnaire with a total sample of 530 interviewees (40 head of CDAs, 160 boards of council members, 330 beneficiaries) during (March- mid May 2004). The following statistical methods were used: chi-square, correction coefficient, Tshuprowa coefficient, standardized scores, frequencies, range, arithmetic mean, standard deviation.
The results revealed that about 30% of total studied CDAs had low efficiency degree, 52.5% were medium and 17.5% were high. In addition to a correlative relationship at 0.01 was found between the following six (6) independent variables: objectives clearness, degree of organizational coordination, members' training level, interference degree of supervision bodies, relationship among members, functional satisfaction and organizational efficiency degree. Besides a correlative relationship was found at 0.05 between clearness degree of organization frame and organizational efficiency. The results also indicated that no relationship was found between the following six independent variables: CDAs age, no. of cooperated NGOs, communication degree within the organization, adaptation degree and members experience level.
The most important problems facing CDAs were: unavailable support and facilities to conduct services and projects, unavailable technical and managerial staff and lack of financial resources.
Whereas, the techniques used by CDAs to confront such problems were: providing sufficient support to establish projects and services, increase training courses, create technical and managerial staff and increase donations and aids.

Key words: Efficiency, Community development associations (CDAs)