Factors Influencing Implementation of Climate Change Programmes Managed by Non-governmental Organizations in Kenya. The Case of Kamarandi Location, Mbeere North Sub-county, Embu County.

Abstract

“Climate change is considered one of the greatest threats to sustainable development. Nongovernmental organizations play a crucial role in sustainable development and poverty alleviation through funding, direct and indirect implementation of climate change programmes. Implementation of climate change programmes depends on several factors for the delivery of targeted objectives and intended impacts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence implementation of climate change programmes, a case of Mbeere North, Embu County. The specific objectives of the research were to determine how availability of funds, establish how stakeholder engagement and participation influence implementation, determine how capacity development influence implementation of climate change programmes and finally find out how institutional factors influence implementation of climate change programmes managed by NGOs in Embu County. The study employed a descriptive survey research design... The study targeted 70 community members in Mbeere North Sub county, Evurore ward, Kamarandi location and eight sub county and county officials working in Mbeere North Sub county and Embu county respectively. Yamane (1967) formula was used in determining the sample size while purposive sampling was used in determining the target population. Data was collected through use of questionnaires which consisted of open ended, structured and unstructured questionnaires. Data analysis was done through entering the responses into various categories using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, as such quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive analysis techniques to show frequencies and percentages. The study found out that capacity development influenced implementation of climate change programmes most with 53(75.7%), followed by availability of funds 47(67.1%), then institutional factors 41(58.6%) and stakeholder engagement and participation 41(58.6%). Based on the Correlation analysis, there is a strong positive relationship (r=0.761) between availability of funds and implementation of climate change programmes. The study found the relationship to be statistically significant at 5% level (p=0.003, <0.05). The result also shows that there is a strong positive correlation(r=0.501) between stakeholder engagement and implementation of climate change programmes, the study found the relationship to be statistically significant at 5% level (p=0.023, <0.05). There was a positive relationship (r=0.676) between capacity development and implementation of climate change programmes. The study also indicates there was a positive relationship (r=0.648) between institutional factors and implementation of climate change programmes. This implies that capacity development plays a key role in implementation of climate change programmes managed by Non-Governmental Organizations. Capacity development of all stakeholders to be involved in programme implementation is important to ensure complete understanding of interventions being proposed and for common understanding of programme goals and deliverables of intended objectives. Institutions are important to manage politics and foster trust between implementing organization and stakeholders. Institutions are custodians of communities and no programme can be successful implemented without proper consultations with all institutions to be involved in programme implementation. Funding is very important in programme implementation to ensure successful execution of programme activities. Stakeholder engagement and participation is a must in programme implementation to manage community expectations and foster mutual understanding and harmony between different stakeholders as they each have a role to play to ensure successful programme implementation. Stakeholders engagement and participation reduces duplication of interventions being proposed to be carried out and ensures ownership of the programme to be implemented.”