Challenges and Opportunities in Community-Based Research: A Critical Review
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Background. Community-based research (CBR) has emerged as a vital approach for addressing local issues by involving community members directly in the research process. Despite its potential for fostering empowerment and producing relevant knowledge, CBR faces numerous challenges that can impede its effectiveness and sustainability.
Purpose. This critical review aims to identify and analyze the key challenges and opportunities inherent in conducting community-based research. By doing so, it seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence the success and impact of CBR initiatives.
Method. A systematic review of existing literature on community-based research was conducted, focusing on peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and reports published over the past decade. The analysis centered on identifying recurring themes related to challenges and opportunities in CBR.
Results. The review identified several prominent challenges, including difficulties in achieving genuine community engagement, managing power dynamics between researchers and community members, securing sustainable funding, and addressing ethical concerns. Conversely, significant opportunities were also noted, such as the potential for CBR to enhance local capacity building, foster mutual learning, create more relevant and applicable research outcomes, and promote social change.
Conclusion. While community-based research presents distinct challenges, it also offers substantial opportunities for generating impactful and sustainable outcomes. Addressing the identified challenges through strategic planning and inclusive practices can enhance the effectiveness of CBR. Future research should focus on developing frameworks and best practices that mitigate these challenges and leverage the opportunities for greater community benefit.
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