This research is an attempt to examine the prospects and part played by community leaders (Fon) in both the fondoms of Bali Nyonga and Baforchu. The study examined the activities of the community leaders serving as tools of empowerment of the community and of sustainable development. The research employs these two communities as a case study in examining the influence of traditional leaders in empowering communities. In the analysis, the study uses two communities. A successful case wherein traditional ruler’s role has influenced sustainable development (Bali Nyongha) and another wherein due to the absence of a strong and influential leader it’s really under developed (Baforchu).
The study finds that Bali Nyonga has seen a lot of development (Socio-economic development). Whiles Bali Nyonga has development associations that is wholly led by the traditional leader, the development association in Baforchu relegates the traditional leader to the background. The study also finds that expertise and intelligence are key factors in influencing development in rural communities.