Strengthening the Participatory and Community-Based Approach in the Fight Against Social Inequalities in Mbandaka, DRC: A Quantitative Analysis of 200 Households

Abstract

Background: In secondary cities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, social inequalities persist despite the participatory mechanisms promoted by donors. This study examines the association between community participation and the perception of reduced inequalities in Mbandaka, the capital of Équateur Province.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 heads of households selected using two-stage stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Univariate and bivariate analyses (Chi-square test) and binary logistic regression were performed.

Results: The population is predominantly young (70% are under 36 years of age) and economically vulnerable (68% live below the poverty line). Nine significant associations were identified. Logistic regression shows that strong community participation increases the probability of perceiving a reduction in inequalities by a factor of 5.87 (p < 0.001), after adjusting for gender, age, education, income and occupation.

Conclusion: Community participation is a powerful lever but requires supporting policies to avoid reproducing existing inequalities.

Keywords: Community participation, social inequalities, Mbandaka, DRC

Received Date: February 22, 2026

Accepted Date: March 14, 2026

Published Date: April 02, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/658