Determinants of community engagement and its role in income poverty reduction: Evidence from Jajarkot, Nepal

Abstract

This study examined the determinants of community engagement and its contribution to poverty reduction in Jajarkot, Nepal. Primary data were collected from 448 households using a structured questionnaire survey and key informant interviews. The collected data were analyzed using mean comparison t-tests, probit analysis, and binary logistic regression models. The results indicated that the education level of respondents, months of sufficient food, willingness to work as a team, and the level of social participation positively and significantly influenced community engagement. Furthermore, community engagement, participation in the decision-making process, and skill related training were found to be positively correlated with income. The study identified a significant difference in mean income between the engaged and non-engaged groups, with a margin of 471 USD, suggesting that community engagement can increase the income of the engaged groups and thereby contribute to poverty reduction. Community groups, local governments, and national and international organizations should develop an inclusive strategy that involves households in community groups to produce more effective results in society.

Keywords

• Community engagement
• Community participation
• Determinants
• Poverty
• Self-help group