Predictors Of Social Capital In Eastern Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

This research empirically evaluated the factors influencing the accumulation of Social Capital in Eastern Wollega Zone, Ethiopia. Methodologically the study used descriptive and explanatory research design. Quantitative data were gathered through community based cross-sectional survey conducted among randomly selected 490 rural households from Agricultural Growth Program (AGP) targeted districts using multi-stage sampling technique. Multiple imputation techniques were used to deal with missed data. Methodologically, ordinary least square model was utilized to identify the determinants of social capital. The result from Chained OLS regression output revealed that households who were married, whose religion were belongs to Muslim and orthodox, whose ethnicity is belongs to Oromo and Gurage, family size of respondents and livestock production were found to be a determinants of social capital accumulation. However, sex wise, being male or female, being a crop producer, being a mixed farmer, farm size and social status have no significant association with social capital accumulation in the study area. The findings of this study are useful for researchers and contribute to the source of knowledge to scholars in related areas through contributing to the methodological gap in existing empirical studies. The results are expected to support decision makers at the local level, federal government higher ministries, and policymakers by providing empirical evidence on the predictors of social capital. Therefore, government should create conducive environment for the improvement of significant predictors identified in this study.