The Role of Faith Based Organizations in Urban Community Development: a Focus on Selected Evangelical Organizations in Addis Ababa
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Date
2025-04-16
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study explores the role of evangelical Protestant Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) in urban community development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Specifically, it examines the services these organizations provide, assesses their financial sustainability, investigates the challenges affecting the scalability of their programs, and evaluates the effectiveness of their interventions. The study was motivated by the increasing presence and influence of FBOs such as the Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church and the Mekane Yesus Church in addressing socio-economic challenges within the rapidly urbanizing context of Addis Ababa. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrated both quantitative and qualitative approaches to gain a multidimensional understanding of FBO activities. Structured questionnaires using a five-point Likert scale were administered to a sample including FBO beneficiaries and organizational leaders and staff, selected through stratified random sampling. Quantitative data were analyzed using STATA, with statistical techniques including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression models. Qualitative insights were obtained through open-ended questions designed to explore perceptions of program effectiveness and operational challenges. The findings indicate that FBOs play a vital role in providing essential services in health, education, and economic empowerment. Also this study found that evangelical Protestant FBOs in Addis Ababa play a key role in urban development, particularly in education, training, and economic empowerment. Regression results confirmed a strong positive link between these services and developmental outcomes. However, challenges remain in healthcare delivery, financial sustainability, and scalability. Strengthening partnerships, diversifying funding, and improving adaptability are essential for greater impact.While most organizations demonstrated moderate levels of financial sustainability, challenges such as limited funding sources, regulatory constraints, and urban poverty dynamics hindered program scalability. Nevertheless, respondents reported a high degree of satisfaction with the effectiveness and developmental impact of FBO programs.
This research contributes to the broader discourse on the role of faith-based actors in urban development and offers policy recommendations for enhancing the sustainability and scalability of their programs in Ethiopia and similar urban contexts.
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Evangelical Protestant, faith-based organizations (FBOs), urban development, Addis Ababa, financial sustainability, scalability, service effectiveness, socio-economic challenges, community empowerment, regression analysis