Community participation in cobblestone road provision

Abstract

This study aimed at analyzing the effect of social capital on the level of community participation in cobblestone road provision. The study employed a quantitative approach. Samples were selected by using a probability sampling technique. From the probability sampling technique, the researchers used a stratified random sampling technique followed by simple random sampling for the selection of households. The survey questionnaire was administered for 368 sample respondents. Findings revealed that community participation was expressed more in financial terms. Participation in policy formulation, planning, implementation, maintenance and operation, and evaluation were not evident. The study shows that there is a strong and positive relationship between the socioeconomic status of respondents and social capital with the level of community participation. The study also found that there was poor communication and relationship among the municipality and kebele leaders that managed the project, and the community. The study concludes that bottom-up approaches, building an effective communication channel between the community, kebele leaders and institutionalization of participation in the City is essential. Capacity-building strategies are also required to promote community participation.