2025/07/09 by Bekalu Terefe1 and Ermias Tsehay2
#Violent conflict #local asset #social capital
paper · doi:10.20372/nadre:8339
Violent conflict is often regarded as detrimental to social capital, with war zones labeled as<br> areas of social capital deficiency. However, the research aimed to investigate the practice and<br> challenges of fostering community development in Woldia and Mersa Town by emphasizing the<br> conceptualization of recovery through an asset-based community development approach. While<br> certain forms of social capital have been lost due to conflict, the opposite is true in some<br> communities. The study explored (1) the types of assets existing in the community, (2) the<br> practice of utilizing available assets for common needs, (3) challenges in using local assets for<br> development, and (4) the extent to which locally available resources are used to tackle<br> community problems. The research employed a mixed-method approach with an explanatory<br> sequential design, involving 178 participants, including 140 survey respondents, 30 focus group<br> discussion participants, and 8 interviewees from the communities of Woldia and Mersa. The<br> investigation utilized a convergent parallel design, with data analysis conducted through<br> descriptive analysis. The study emphasized the multidimensional nature of these assets and the<br> importance of community voices in understanding their utilization and management. It also<br> highlighted challenges faced, such as inadequate institutional mechanisms, limited financial<br> services, infrastructural deficiencies, and the impact of post-war issues on asset utilization. To<br> address these challenges, the research proposed recommendations to strengthen institutional<br> mechanisms, improve access to financial services, invest in infrastructure and social services,<br> simplify regulatory processes, foster community engagement, and develop a comprehensive<br> recovery strategy for post-war challenges. These measures aimed to enhance the effective use of<br> local assets for sustainable community development and resilience