Study and analysis of facilitation approach and participation in empowerment of informal settlements

Empowerment of neighborhoods requires the participation of all neighborhood citizens to achieve control and influence on the factors that determine the quality of life in that neighborhood, which is one of the essential goals in the sustainable development of communities. The present study investigates and analyzes the facilitation and participation approach in empowering informal settlements in Ardabil using survey and questionnaire techniques. The statistical population of the present study consists of all residents of the thirteen neighborhoods of Ardabil. This population includes districts 3 and 4 of the municipality, and according to the 2016 population and housing census, the neighborhood population is 84,732. Based on Cochran sampling, 384 people were selected as a statistical sample, and with a combination of multi-stage and quota cluster sampling, samples were determined. Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate regression tests were used to test the research hypotheses. The results show a significant relationship between the dimensions of local community capital (formal and informal communication networks of neighborhoods, cooperation, trust, participation) and the empowerment of informal settlements socially, economically, physically, and environmentally. Regression analysis showed that 64% of changes in local community capital in empowering informal settlements in Ardabil could be explained and predicted. Finally, the regression analysis showed that the beta variable of local community capital is 0.34, and the beta value of formal and informal communication networks is 0.26. Also, the beta value of cooperation is 0.29, which shows that the variable of local community capital is that Its dimensions of cooperation have the most significant share in the changes of empowerment of informal settlements in Ardabil.