Historical view of curriculum development

2. Historical
Background
of Community
Development
Presented by:

3. INTRODUCTION
• The concept of community development has undergone strong changes
over the years since primitive society. These changes have been caused by
the ever-changing needs and wants of communities. Let us look at how
community development has evolved from the primitive and pre-industrial
period right through to the modern society.

4. Primitive Period
• In the primitive period, the aim of community development was to protect
communities from enemies or other communities. The first priority then
was to establish a defense or a strategic plan for community protection.
Customs, traditions were the major guiding factors in community
development. A few people guided and took leadership for community
development. The vast majority of members of the community were
supporters of the leaders and managers who stood for community
development.

5. Pre-industrial Period
• During the pre-industrial period, communities mobilized resources for
community development by capturing the resources of other communities.
The main focus of community development was therefore, mainly
for manpower development, self- defense and for conquering other
communities for resource mobilization.

6. Industrial Period
• During this period, the main agenda for community development was
infrastructural development and resources mobilization for industrial
growth. The role of the manager in community development was identified
during this period. However, environmental issues were not properly
addressed.

7. Modern Society
• In the modern society, the focus of community development is
people and the positive elements in their social well-being. There is
greater involvement and participation of people in the planning and
implementation of community development programmes. Communities
are also empowered to make the best use of available resources for
community development.