Effectiveness of Village Fund Utilization in Supporting Rural Development (Case Study of Punti Village, Soromandi Subdistrict, Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the use of village funds in supporting the development of rural community empowerment and to analyze Community Involvement in the Management of the Village Fund Budget for the Development and Empowerment of Rural Communities in Punti Village, Soromandi District, Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. The method used in this research is qualitative descriptive with data collection techniques through interviews, observation and documentation. Based on the analysis conducted, the utilization of village funds in Punti Village, Soromandi District, Bima Regency has shown high effectiveness in supporting rural development. The programs implemented, especially infrastructure development such as drainage and concrete rebates, have been in accordance with the priorities and needs of the community. This effectiveness can be seen from various aspects, including timeliness, cost calculation, measurement, choice making, thinking, order execution, and goal setting. Community participation was quite good in the planning stage through the village development planning meetings, although the involvement of women still needs to be improved. However, participation in the implementation and evaluation stages is still less than optimal. Nevertheless, the overall management of village funds has contributed positively to welfare improvement, infrastructure development, and community empowerment, including through cadre training and the development of village-owned enterprises. To maximize the benefits of village funds, it is necessary to increase community participation in all stages, especially in program implementation and evaluation, as well as to increase the involvement of women in decision-making.