Organizational Characteristicsand Performance of Food Security Projects in Busia County, Kenya
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Date
2025-03
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Sustainable food security in Busia County has proven to be a significant challenge due to the insufficient implementation of food security programs by the County. For instance, the initiative to provide free farming inputs aimed at increasing maize production by 30% has not materialized, and maize prices have plummeted from KSh150 to KSh 60 for two kilograms. Acquisition of 14 tractors at a subsidized rate has only managed to cover less than 20% of the cropland, falling short of the expected 40% coverage. Efforts to enhance the Wakhungu Fisheries Training and Seed Production Centre, which were intended to boost fingerling production by 50% and mechanize the dairy sector, have only achieved a 10% increase in productivity. Furthermore, the Cassava Factory and Simba Chai have remained inactive for the past three years due to low yields and ongoing issues with sugarcane at local sugar factories. This research aimed to investigate how organizational characteristics influence the effectiveness of food security projects in Busia County, Kenya. It specifically examined the roles of project leadership, planning, monitoring and evaluation, and communication. The study was grounded in a theoretical framework that included the leadership contingency model, the theory of change, and cybernetics theory. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, focusing on food security projects in Busia County as the unit of analysis, with a total of 737 respondents serving as the unit of observation. The research employed a stratified sampling approach, selecting participants through simple random sampling. Ultimately, sample comprised 259 individuals, including project managers and team members, with data collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Which were distributed to 12 participants from Bungoma County. Validity of instruments was evaluated through content measures, while reliability assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Qualitative data underwent content analysis and quantitative data were summarized with descriptive statistics; mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics, such as correlation and multiple linear regression analyses, were conducted, along with diagnostic tests for multicollinearity and normality. Ethical considerations were taken into account for participant confidentiality and a clear explanation of the study's purpose. Regression coefficients for project leadership, project planning, monitoring and evaluation and communication were .805, .779, .708, and .830, respectively, indicating degree to which the variables could enhance the performance of food security projects in Busia County, Kenya. The study found that strong leadership in organizations focused on food security leads to efficient resource allocation, well-defined goals and successful strategy implementation. Organizational planning plays a crucial role in establishing clear objectives for food security initiatives. Monitoring and evaluation enable organizations to assess progress, pinpoint challenges and make data-driven decisions enhancing project results. Effective communication within organization facilitates coordination among various stakeholders in food security efforts. The study suggests that the county should implement capacity-building and training initiatives while promoting collaboration and partnerships among various stakeholders. To enhance organizational planning, the county should adopt a proactive approach, enabling project managers to foresee potential challenges and devise strategies to overcome them, which will ultimately result in more successful outcomes. The county should utilize digital tools, mobile applications or online platforms, to streamline data collection and analysis. It is essential for the county to maintain clear and consistent communication among all involved stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, community members, and donors.
Description
A Research Project Submitted To The School Of Business, Economics And Tourism In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirements For The Award Of The Degree Of Master Of Business Administration (Project Management) Of Kenyatta University, March, 2025
Supervisors:
1.Perris Chege