Determinants of Inclusive Community Participation in Rural Water Project Design in Dodoma

Despite broad recognition of the importance of community participation in rural development, disparities in engagement among different social groups remain underexplored. This study investigates the determinants and extent of community involvement in the design of rural water supply projects in Dodoma, Tanzania, using data from a cross-sectional survey of 198 respondents and applying descriptive analysis and the double hurdle regression model. Results show that while most participants had low (35.4%) to medium (46.5%) levels of involvement, participation varied significantly by gender, education, occupation, and asset ownership. Women, individuals with higher education, civil servants, those with training, and asset owners were more likely to be actively involved, particularly in later project stages. The study recommends inclusive strategies that promote meaningful participation through education, training, and improved access to productive assets, while also addressing structural barriers and applying intersectional approaches to ensure equitable involvement across all social groups.