Empirical Investigation of Dimensions of Social Capital in Eastern Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

This research empirically examined the available social capital dimensions to households in Eastern Wollega Zone, Ethiopia. Methodologically the study used descriptive research design. The data were gathered through a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted among randomly selected 490 rural households from Agricultural Growth Program (AGP) targeted districts using a multi-stage sampling technique. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis techniques were applied to identify the dimensions of social capital available to households. The finding from exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis revealed that in the study area 29 potential indicators and seven dimensions potential dimensions of social capital i.e. trust, heterogeneity, the density of membership, decision making, labor contribution, cash contribution, and meeting attendance.This study is very important in contributing to scarce literature related to the dimensions of social capital in Ethiopia. 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 available dimensions of social capital households. Keywords: Social capital dimensions, Rural- households, Exploratory, Confirmatory analysis, Ethiopia DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/12-15-01 Publication date:August 31st 2022