Abstract:
This study assessed the effect of community participation in preventing drug abuse in
Arusha City. The study was guided by three specific objectives, including assessing
the effect of community policing programmes in preventing drug abuse in Arusha City,
examining the effects of youth educational programmes in preventing drug abuse in
Arusha City, and determining the effect of community coalition programmes on
preventing drug use among youth in Arusha City. The study applied a mixed-method
research design, which involved a combination of surveys and questionnaires in data
collection. The study involved a sample size of 303 respondents who included
community members (n=299), ward executive officers (n=2), and ward police officers
(n=2). Data collected through surveys were analysed using frequencies, and
percentages while data collected through interviews were analysed using content
analysis. The findings showed that community policing programmes such as
neighbourhood watch, community meetings, reporting suspecious activities, using
local media, and youth engagement programmes have helped to reduce drug abuse,
improve community awareness of drug abuse prevention, and reduce drug dealing
activities in the surveyed wards in Arusha City. The study also found that youth
education programs have helped create awareness of the dangers of drug abuse,
influenced positive behaviour change, facilitated support to youth affected by drug
abuse, and improved community safety. Lastly, the study found that community
coalition programmes have helped to identify youth affected by the problem of drug
abuse, enhancing access to treatment, reducing the demand for drugs, promoting
healthy lifestyles, reducing the demand for drugs, and identifying drug abuse trends.
Based on the findings, the study concludes that community participation positively
affects drug abuse prevention through community policing, youth education and
community coalition programmes. The study recommends continued collaboration
between community members, local government, law enforcement and non
governmental organisations to provide drug abuse awareness.
