Browsing by Author "Mwangi, Esther Njeri"

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    Examining the Role of Participatory Communication on Development Projects’ Outcomes: A Case of Napuu Drip Irrigation Scheme
    (Daystar University, School of Communication, 2020-10) Mwangi, Esther Njeri
    This study sought to examine the role of participatory communication in development projects’ outcomes with a focus on Napuu Drip Irrigation Scheme (NDIS). The objectives of the study were to determine the extent to which participatory communication may have been used in the implementation of the NDIS, establish the benefits of participatory monitoring and evaluation (M&E) as a tool for improving the socioeconomic status of the Napuu community, and establish the perceptions of the locals on how the NDIS project was carried out. The study used in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to collect data. This study used 22 respondents for the FGDs and 3 respondents for the in-depth interviews. Homogeneous sampling was used to purposively select the 25 respondents. Data analysis was done by generating themes and categories manually. Under each objective, the researcher created tables with repeated responses that generated common themes. The study findings showed that participatory communication is a key factor in implementing development projects, but it was not enough to sustain or bring out the best outcomes in the NDIS project. The study also showed that M&E is a key stage in development projects, as it provides an opportunity to evaluate the project and identify gaps for improvement. The study also revealed that despite the challenges, the perception of the Napuu community was that quality of life had improved because of the NDIS project. This study concluded that participatory communication is a key ingredient in the implementation of development projects, especially when all the aspects of the project cycle must be observed and followed. The study recommends the need for integration of participatory communication into every aspect of Turkana County’s project implementation processes and for further research on the role of participatory communication in development.