Asset-based community development practice in Awramba, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

This research was aimed at exploring asset-based community development (ABCD) practice of the Awramba community in Ethiopia, focusing on seven specific principles. A qualitative research design, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and document analysis, was used. The findings revealed that Awramba was practicing ABCD, albeit with some practical deviations. Genuine respect for human dignity has enabled its members to effectively implement most of the ABCD principles. Community members have high levels of shared meaning, sense of community/commitment, full participation and democratic power distribution, civil engagement, internally-focused development, bonding social capital, and effective access to internal resources. However, there were poor relationships with external communities and organizations (due to prejudices both from the outsiders and the community itself), and the community was inflexible towards external resource utilization. Interrelatedness among the principles of ABCD was also observed. Implications for practice and research are proposed.