Project Management Practices and Sustainability of Agribusiness Projects in Selected Counties in Kenya
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Date
2023
Authors
Miano, Kabethi Joseph
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Concerns abound on the sustainability of most agribusiness projects a few years after implementation. Without sustainability, the projects do not attain the desired objectives while the resources expended in such endeavours are wasted or lost. Various authors opine that the attainment of project sustainability requires integration of sustainability aspects in project management practices. However, the effect of such practices on sustainability of agribusiness projects in Kenya remains unknown. Through multiple linear regression model, the study was set to look at the effect of project management practices on the sustainability of Kenya Agricultural Productivity and Agribusiness Projects (KAPAP) in selected Counties in the country. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the effect of; project design practices, project capacity building practices, project stakeholder management practices as well as project monitoring and evaluation practices on sustainability of KAPAP, where government policy was considered as a moderating variable. The inquiry adopted a pragmatism research paradigm with descriptive and explanatory research designs. The study population comprised of 6,401 communities of interest groups under which KAPAP projects were implemented from year 2010 to 2015. A sample of 376 projects was selected by stratified multistage random sampling techniques. Data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire and captured through SPSS software. Quantitative data was analysed through descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. Qualitative data was subjected to content analysis. The study findings were presented using tables and charts. From the findings, the four project management practices had a positive significant effect on the sustainability of KAPAP projects while government policy significantly moderated the effect of the relationship between the variables. The research recommends for consideration of various project management practices collectively rather than each in isolation to improve on project sustainability. On capacity building practices, enhanced practical oriented project activities are necessary to impart hands on skills relevant for project sustainability. Inclusion of project beneficiaries from the beginning of a project is important for project ownership and sustainability. Government officers should avoid micromanaging the projects and allow project beneficiaries some latitude in decision making for project ownership and sustainability. There is also need for proper coordination of national and regional/county government activities pertaining to agricultural productivity projects in the country to ensure the stakeholders get essential services relevant for project sustainability. In addition, the monitoring and evaluation systems should provide feedback in a timely manner to allow for effective corrective measures to be undertaken in time further promoting the prospects of attaining project sustainability.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Business (Project Management) In the School of Business, Economics and Tourism, Kenyatta University March, 2023
Keywords
Project Management Practices, Sustainability, Agribusiness Projects, Selected Counties, Kenya