THE ROLE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THE CASE OF SHEGER CITY FURI SUB CITY, OROMIA

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.