Effects of Community Participation on The Sustainability of County Government Funded Water Projects: A Case of Kaiti-Kamunyii Water Project, Makueni County, Kenya.
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Date
2024-09
Authors
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Publisher
Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences
Abstract
This study assessed the effects of community participation on the sustainability of Kaiti-Kamunyii Water Project. Meaningful community participation is essential for project decision-making, ownership, and sustainability of project outcomes, whereas superficial participation causes apathy among community members and undermines project performance. The study employed a mixed research methodology with objectives to assess community participation levels in the project, examine applied project sustainability strategies, evaluate the effects of community participation on project performance, and suggest recommendations to enhance the sustainability of the water project performance. The study was grounded in the Ladder Theory of Participation complemented by Stakeholders Theory. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods, administering 86 questionnaires with 80(93%) response rate, and conducted 10 key informant interviews for in-depth qualitative insights. Data was analysed using SPSS-23, incorporating both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings exhibited significant community control over decision-making, with 44(55%) strongly agreeing and 24(30%) agreeing. Similarly, 44(55%) strongly agreed and 24(30%) agreed that authority was delegated to community. Stakeholder collaboration was moderate, with 29(36%) strongly agreeing and 38(48%) agreeing. Majority of respondents confirmed the existence of a robust, long-term project sustainability strategy, with 45(56%) strongly agreeing and 32(40%) agreeing. Similarly, for community resource contribution, 45(56%) strongly agreed and 32(40%) agreed, reflecting community support to the project. Correlation analysis indicated a strong positive relationship between community participation and project sustainability (0.781). It concluded that meaningful community participation is the cornerstone of sustainable water project performance.
Description
Master of Arts in Community Development.
Keywords
Kaiti-Kamunyii Water Project.
Citation
Awuora, M. A. (2024). Effects of Community Participation on The Sustainability of County Government Funded Water Projects: A Case of Kaiti-Kamunyii Water Project, Makueni County, Kenya. Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences