Digital engagement and community participation in sustainable development activities in Cross River State
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Abstract
This study examined digital engagement and community participation in sustainable development activities in Cross River State. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised all adult residents aged 18 years and above across the 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River State, estimated at 3,485,184 individuals. A sample size of 400 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane's sample-size determination formula at a 0.05 level of precision. A multi-stage sampling procedure involving stratified, proportionate, simple random and incidental sampling techniques was used to select the respondents. Data were collected using a questionnaire titled Digital Engagement and Community Participation in Sustainable Development Questionnaire (DECPSDQ). The instrument was validated by experts in Sustainable Education and Measurement and Evaluation. A trial test involving 50 respondents was conducted, and Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients ranging from 0.74 to 0.91 were obtained. Data were analysed using multiple linear regression at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that social media engagement significantly predicts community participation in sustainable development activities in Cross River State. The findings also showed that digital collaboration significantly predicts community participation in sustainable development activities in the state. Based on these findings, the study concluded that digital engagement can contribute to increased community participation in sustainable development activities. It was recommended, among others, that community leaders and development organisations should make greater use of social media and digital collaboration platforms to disseminate information, mobilise residents, coordinate activities and encourage active participation in sustainable development initiatives.
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