Focus and Scope

The Central Community Development Journal (CCDJ) is an international, peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to advancing scholarship and practice in the field of community development. CCDJ provides a multidisciplinary platform for scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and development stakeholders to share critical insights, robust empirical research, and innovative theoretical contributions that inform and inspire community transformation and empowerment across diverse social, cultural, and geographic contexts.

The journal publishes high-quality, original contributions that examine a wide spectrum of community development themes, reflecting the complex and dynamic realities of local, regional, and global development processes. CCDJ particularly values research that bridges theory and practice, critically engages with real-world interventions, and enriches the global discourse on participatory, equitable, and sustainable development.

Scope of the Journal

CCDJ welcomes rigorous and innovative submissions in, but not limited to, the following thematic areas:

  • Community Empowerment and Participation: Participatory governance, grassroots mobilization, civic engagement, capacity building, and empowerment strategies.

  • Social Innovation and Inclusion: Inclusive practices, equity-oriented development, marginalized and vulnerable populations, gender and intersectionality in community initiatives.

  • Sustainable Development and Local Economies: Environmental sustainability, social entrepreneurship, circular and solidarity economies, rural–urban linkages, and place-based economic development.

  • Education and Knowledge Sharing: Community learning frameworks, adult and lifelong education, indigenous and local knowledge systems, and capacity enhancement approaches.

  • Policy and Governance: Decentralization, local governance systems, institutional arrangements, policy design and implementation affecting community outcomes.

  • Health and Wellbeing: Public and community health initiatives, social protection, mental health and resilience, and addressing vulnerabilities in health systems.

  • Digital and Technological Integration: ICTs for development, digital inclusion, smart community initiatives, and technological innovations to support community resilience and effectiveness.

CCDJ publishes original research articles, theoretical explorations, critical policy analyses, systematic reviews, case studies, and practice-based reflections. Submissions are expected to demonstrate methodological rigor, conceptual clarity, and relevance to contemporary community development challenges.

The journal encourages contributions from established and early-career researchers worldwide, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary perspectives, innovative methodologies, and empirical depth. By fostering inclusive and critical dialogue, Central Community Development Journal seeks to advance the field and support evidence-based, participatory approaches to development practice and policy.