Applying asset-based community development in a marginalized urban community among the Negede Woyto community in Ethiopia

Abstract

Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) emphasizes community strengths as the foundation for sustainable development. This study documents the application of ABCD in the historically marginalized Negede Woyto community in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Using a qualitative, participatory action research design, data were collected through continuous community dialogues, interviews with key informants, small-group discussions, and iterative team reflection meetings across four major engagement phases. The study details the activities conducted, issues raised, and outcomes achieved during each phase. Findings indicate that despite social, economic, cultural, and political marginalization, the community possesses significant human, social, environmental, economic, and cultural assets. Through trust-building, structured facilitation, and iterative reflection, the community shifted from problem-focused discussions to asset mobilization, self-organization, and emergent leadership. This study provides a detailed, process-oriented account of ABCD implementation, offering practical insights for applying strengths-based approaches in marginalized urban communities, while identifying the boundary conditions sample coverage, project duration, and structural constraints beyond community control that qualify how far those insights can travel.