Abstract:
The objective of the study is to assess the public participation in local development activities at
grassroots level with the particular reference to Limmu Genet town administration. For research
design descriptive design study was used in the study. Mixed methods research approach is
applied to address research objectives. Sampling technique selected through simple random
sampling method. In the study both primary and secondary data were used. For the purpose of
this study, the researcher employed descriptive statistical analysis. The findings of the study
indicate that there are general legal provisions about the right of the public to participate in the
development of their affairs. However, there is serious gap between legal provisions and their
implementation on the ground. The capacity of town administration is inadequate to facilitate
participation in development. Participation in development is top-down approach in Limmu
Genet town administration. The overall extent of public participation is low in Limmu Genet
town administration. Therefore, the study concluded with the recommendation that if the public
get favorable platform to participate in development activities and their concerns are given due
consideration by the government, it has the power to solve its problems by itself. The role of
government has to be limited to facilitation rather than maker and provider of local
development. The town administration needs intensive capacity building that creates responsive
and effective public administration. The stipulation of explicit rules and regulations is required
to guide participation and the sharing of benefits of participatory development. The proliferation
of community based organizations is necessary to facilitate public participation in local
development
