Attainment of basic needs as a predictor of civic engagement in sub-Saharan Africa: some implications

Abstract

Building on previous research on basic needs and civic engagement, this study attempts to understand whether or not attainment of basic needs will predict civic engagement in a resource-constrained environment. We also assess the moderating effects of perceived trust in governmental institutions on this relationship. We use data from the Afrobarometer survey to examine these relationships in three sub-Saharan Africa countries: Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Findings provide support for the hypothesized relationship that attainment of basic needs predicts civic engagement. Furthermore, civic engagement appears to be higher at higher levels of perceived trust in government. These findings provide a preliminary base for exploring factors that may be important in understanding civic behavior in the context of sub-Saharan Africa.