Community sentiment influences community participation: evidence from Ethiopia

ABSTRACT

Community sentiment is an essential component of community development and can influence residents’ propensity to participate in their community. However, few studies have investigated the effect of community sentiment on community participation in the sub-Saharan region. This study aimed to examine social connectedness, community attachment and community satisfaction as factors influencing community participation among rural residents in Ethiopia. We collected data through a cross-sectional survey from 360 residents of 12 communities located within Yirgachefe district of Ethiopia, using a simple random sampling technique for selection. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression techniques were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that community participation was influenced not only by respondents’ demographic and socioeconomic characteristics but also by their community sentiment. Respondents’ age, level of education, annual income, social connectedness, community attachment and community satisfaction all positively influenced community participation. It was noted that respondents who were more socially connected, who have higher levels of attachment to their community and more satisfied with their community are more likely to participate. We suggest community networking mechanisms and social events to augment community participation.