THE ROLE OF GRASSROOTS MOBILISATION IN SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW SWK 905 –COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL CHANGE

Abstract

Grassroots mobilisation is an essential component of sustainable community development, but its effectiveness in driving sustainable social change remains unclear. In this systematic literature review, evidence from 2020 to 2025 has been evaluated to examine the impact and constraints of grassroots action on sustainable community development. 10 records out of 187 across 4 databases were selected according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Thematic analysis revealed five prevailing themes: participatory governance and local ownership; social capital as a mechanism of mobilisation; structural barriers and the limiting of grassroots agency; co-optation and the depoliticisation of community voice; and digital inclusion and mobilisation in the modern context. Grassroots mobilisation fortifies community resilience and equitable social interactions, with supportive institutional settings; power problems, resource shortages, external interference, and digital marginalisation undermine its effectiveness. The review summarizes the evidence on five important themes, identifies research gaps, and offers recommendations to social workers, policymakers, and community practitioners.