An Assessment of Corporate Social Responsibility Practices and Impacts on Community Development: A Case Study of the Ardaiyta Government-Owned Farm
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Date
2026-06-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study examines the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on community development at Ardaiyta Seed Multiplication Farm in Ethiopia, from the perspective of local communities. The research was guided by five objectives: to assess CSR initiatives, evaluate their impact on community development, explore community perceptions, identify implementation challenges, and analyze stakeholder participation. A qualitative case study design was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 16 participants, three focus group discussions involving 18 community members, and document review. Participants included farmers, women, youth, beneficiaries, local officials, and farm representatives. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings indicate that the farm implements various CSR activities, including agricultural support, employment creation, infrastructure development, education support, and social services. These initiatives contributed to improved agricultural productivity, enhanced livelihoods, and better access to services. However, the study identified major limitations: absence of a formal CSR policy, weak integration into core operations, limited community participation, exclusion of vulnerable groups, lack of capacity-building programs, unequal access to resources such as water, and unresolved land disputes. CSR practices were largely informal and dependent on managerial discretion. The study concludes that while CSR initiatives have positive effects, they are not transformative due to their ad hoc and non-strategic nature. To enhance effectiveness, CSR should be strategic, inclusive, participatory, and sustainable. Recommendations include developing a formal CSR policy, strengthening community participation mechanisms, targeting vulnerable groups, implementing farmer training programs, improving resource distribution, resolving land conflicts, and establishing monitoring and evaluation systems.
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CSR initiatives, evaluate their impact on community development, explore community perceptions, identify implementation challenges, and analyze stakeholder participation