Volume 14, Issue 1, 2025

03 Volume 14, Issue 1 Effectiveness of Rural Centres in Enhancing Community Empowerment and Social Well-Being
Effectiveness of Rural Centres in Enhancing Community Empowerment and Social Well-Being
Author(s): Eley Suzana Kasima, Dalila Dauda, Jamaliah Said, Salwa Muda
DOI: doi.org/10.56527/jabm.14.1.3
Keywords: Rural transformation centres, community empowerment, social wellbeing, economic impact, sustainability
Abstract:Rural Transformation Centres (RTCs) have been established to significantly enhance the social well-being and community empowerment of rural dwellers, ultimately aiming to improve their overall quality of life. Given the pivotal role these centres play, it is crucial to assess their effectiveness in achieving these objectives. Despite their importance, the current literature lacks comprehensive studies on the specific dimensions that determine the effectiveness of rural centres like RTCs. This paper seeks to fill this gap by exploring and proposing a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of rural centres in enhancing community empowerment and social well-being. The proposed framework identifies four key dimensions of effectiveness: access and infrastructure, service provision, community engagement and empowerment, and economic impact and sustainability. Access and infrastructure examine the accessibility of essential facilities such as public transportation and connectivity to nearby communities. Service provision evaluates the range and quality of services offered by RTCs, including types of services provided, health and wellbeing as well as education and skill development. Meanwhile, community engagement and empowerment focus on the involvement of community members, social cohesion, empowerment and capacity building. Economic impact and sustainability assess the economic benefits generated by RTCs on local economy such as job creation, income generation, and the long-term viability of these benefits. By understanding and harnessing these dimensions, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers can formulate effective strategies and interventions to maximise the impact of rural centres. This holistic approach ensures that RTCs can fulfil their mandate and contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities.
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