UTILIZING THE SKILLS OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS FOR PROMOTING DEVELOPMENT IN A RECESSED ECONOMY:A CASE STUDY OF TAFAWA BALEWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT 2019-2023

This study investigates the potential of commrity skill wilitarow and pornicipation as a tool for achirving sustainable development in resmurce-constraed communities, particularly during rconomic downturis, with a forts on Tafawa Balewa Locul Goversinent Area (LG.A) from 2019 to 2023. The research aims to analyze the impact of the 2020 recession on developmtent intitiatives.conduct a stills audit to identify resident skills, evollume stromegies iimplemented by the Tafawa Balewa LGA government during the recession and assess the effecriveness of these strategies in promoting development through community skill wrilitation. A guanrinarive approdch was adopted,primarily utilizing survey technigues to collect quantitarive data from the population of Tafawa Balewa LGA, which stands at 254.701 residents. The findings reveal that the 2020 recession significantly hindered development initiatives, with 60.28% of respondents acknowledging its negative impact. Despite these challenges, 21.59% of the commtunity demonstrated resilience,sustaining ongoing projects. Government strategies to mobilite community skills had mixed results, with effectiveness noted in some areas but substantial room for improvement in transparency, communication, and inclusivity. The study recommends regular briefings.multilingual communication channels, targeted outreach programs, community needs assessments,robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and skills audits. These measures aim to enhance the effectiveness of development strategies, ensure equitable participation,and leverage the community's diverse skillsets for sustainable development. By addressing these areas,future strategies can more effectively harness community potential,fostering resilience and sustainable growth in Tafawa Balewa LGA.