The Impact of Participatory Communication in Development Projects: A Study of Selected Projects Sponsored by Gatanga Constituency Development Fund

Abstract

This study has looked at the impact of participatory communication in development projects, a study of selected projects sponsored by Gatanga Constituency Development Fund. The purpose of this study was to establish whether or not the use of participatory communication by the Constituency Development Fund Committee in Gatanga is the key reason for the successful utilization of CDF funds in the constituency. Data was collected from Focus Group Discussions with constituents of Gatanga constituency. Seven in-depth interviews were also conducted with members of the Constituency Development Fund Committee (CDFC). The data collected was analyzed thematically. Literature on the Constituency Development Fund, participatory communication, the dominant paradigm and the dialogic pedagogy was reviewed. The study findings established that the success of CDF projects in Gatanga constituency was not necessarily because of the use of participatory communication strategies. From the responses given by the respondents in the Focus Group Discussions and interviews, the following were identified as some of the reasons for the success; management of the CDFC, the Member of Parliament, the CDF strategic plan, and monitoring and evaluation methods. In addition, while the constituents were pleased with the work the CDFC is doing, they wanted to be more involved in the idea formulation, planning and implementation of the CDF projects. The study recommends that the CDFC come up with a specific communication strategy to inform constituents on what they are doing and the progress of the CDF projects. Adoption of the participatory approach by the CDFC in all stages of CDF projects development is also recommended.