| Abstract: | This study aimed to determine the role of Social Capital the Community Development with
particular reference to Sheger City Furi Sub City Communities. It employed a mixed-methods
approach within an explanatory research design to assess the impact of different types of social
capital factors on community development. Utilizing purposive sampling, with the sample size
determined by Cochran's formula, data collection included surveys and interviews with key
community stakeholders. Primary data were collected using survey and interview methods, and
the quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS while the qualitative data was analyzed
thematically. Regression analyses and descriptive analysishave revealed that social bonding
(mean = 3.38, β = 0.31), social linking (mean = 2.78, β = 0.45), and neighborhood social
composition (mean = 3.06, β = 0.29) significantly impact community development (mean =
3.42)in the study area. Conversely, social bridging (mean = 2.65) and social cohesion/trust
(mean = 2.35) did not show significant impacts, suggesting that while moderate levels of trust
and safety exist, they do not drive development alone. These findings align with literature
emphasizing strong intra-community bonds and effective external linkages while challenging
assumptions about the universal significance of social bridging and trust. Recommendations
include enhancing social bonding initiatives, strengthening social linking, addressing
neighborhood social composition, reevaluating social bridging strategies, and reassessing
efforts around social cohesion/trust. Future research should explore these dynamics further,
particularly through longitudinal studies and comparative analyses, to develop a nuanced
understanding of social capital's role in sustainable community development. |
