Determinants of sustainability of women’s development projects funded by Non- Governmental Organizations Kisumu Central, Kenya
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Date
2016-09
Authors
Adhola, Grace Achieng’
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Although NGOs and other donor agencies play a crucial role in supporting development
projects some development projects are not sustained and mostly collapse shortly after
withdrawal of donor support. Out of this concern, this study focused on the determinants
of sustainability of the development projects funded by NGOs. The study focused on the
development project in Kisumu central sub-county, Kenya. The objectives that guided the
study were: to investigate the categories of activities within the women development
projects funded by NGOs, identify challenges faced by women development projects
funded by NGOs and identify strategies put in place by the NGOs for upholding
sustainability of women‟s development projects funded by the NGOs in Kisumu central
sub-county. The study was guided by two theories, institutional theory advanced by Scot
(2004) and economic theory by Meyer, (1983).The study used the descriptive design
approach. The total number of registered NGOs in the sub-county was 50 but WIFIP
(women in the fishing industry) and K-MET (Kenya Medical Trust Fund) were
purposively sampled since they specifically fund women development projects. The total
number of projects funded by K-MET were 15 whereas in WIFIP they were 12,using
systematic random sampling, the 17 and 12 third projects were selected giving a total of
4 projects funded by K-MET and 3 funded by WIFIP giving a total of 7 projects. From all
the projects there were 500 beneficiaries. Nineteen percent was computed giving a total
of 96 respondents. This was used to form 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) comprising
eight members per project. Six project leaders from WIFIP and 7 from K-MET, 5 finance
managers from WIFIP were also chosen while from K-MET there were 7 selected.
Officer in charge from the ministry of gender and social service and the regional NGO
coordinators were purposefully selected as key informants‟ .Research instruments for
data collection were questionnaires for project coordinators from the two NGOs, focus
group discussion guide for the women beneficiaries from the selected projects and an
interview guide for government official. Observation was also done in the course of data
collection mostly to confirm some of the information gathered during interviews .Data
analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) whereby
descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages were computed. The study
findings revealed that beneficiaries‟ involvement, training on project management and
stakeholder need analysis are key in sustainability of women development projects. The
study recommends that the county government should come up with programs that can
help women generate funds without collaterals. The county government in conjunction
with the ministry of Gender, Children and Social Services should create women specific
„Kiti‟ which can lend money to women at affordable interest rates. The NGOs should be
encouraged to involve the stake holders at all stages of project development. The
government in collaborations with non-government organizations should work in close
partnership to develop a training package on issues of gender balance putting more
emphasis on practical; gender needs and strategic gender wants which hinder them from
participating fully in the development process as this affects the sustainability of the
funded projects.
Description
A research thesis submitted to the school of humanities and social sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Degree of Master of Arts of Kenyatta University. September, 2016. Call No. HQ 1240.5 .K4A33
Keywords
Women in community development, Women in organizations, Non-governmental organizations