Bridging the gap: Rethinking the level of community engagement in local governance

Citizen participation is central to community development, yet perceptions of its appropriate form and depth vary widely. Focusing on local governance in Afghanistan, this study examines community expectations of participation, with particular attention to distinguishing meaningful co-governance from symbolic or tokenistic engagement. Based on survey data and using descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, the findings reveal strong community support for shared decision-making between local residents and authorities. Respondents favor collaborative arrangements aligned with higher levels of Arnstein’s participation ladder, especially Partnership and Delegated Power, while showing limited support for consultative approaches. These results highlight a grassroots demand for inclusive, empowering, and locally grounded governance structures. By centering community voices, the study contributes to community development scholarship by linking participation to empowerment, legitimacy, and sustainable local governance in post-conflict and transitional contexts.