Modeling the sequential pathway from 4-H participation to Sustainable Community Development: The mediating roles of Youth Empowerment and Positive Youth Development (5Cs) in Ethiopia

This study tests whether 4-H participation is indirectly associated with sustainable community development (SCD) through youth empowerment and Positive Youth Development (5Cs: competence, confidence, connection, character, caring). Using an embedded mixed-methods design, we surveyed 766 youth in Central Ethiopia and conducted focus groups (n = 46) and key informant interviews (n = 10). Serial mediation (PROCESS Model 6) showed that 87% of the total association was indirect. The serial pathway (4-H → Empowerment → 5Cs → SCD) had the strongest indirect effect (β = 0.3222, 95% CI [0.2605, 0.3840]). CFA indicated good fit (CFI = 0.951, RMSEA = 0.052). Qualitative findings corroborated these mechanisms. Findings suggest youth programs should prioritize empowerment to build PYD assets that translate into community contributions. Implications for program design, policy, and longitudinal research are discussed..