Participatory project Planning Approaches and Performance of Food Security Projects in Laikipia County, Kenya

Abstract

Participatory planning is an exercise that is undertaken by a community to achieve a certain social economic objective by critically checking its issues and taking a step to sort out those issues. The community needs professionals, but only as advisors. “Participation in this context is where groups, organizations and individuals decide to take an active role in decision-making on issues that affect them”, (Usadolo and Caldwel, 2016). According to (Rugumamu, 2005), “participatory planning ensures efficiency because by involving all interested parties, a wider pool of knowledge is available that supports better development plans and implementation strategies.” “Based on experience, a consensus has evolved that participatory planning is a necessary condition for rural people to manage their affairs, control their environment and enhance their own wellbeing,” (Howlett and Nagu, 2001). The objective of this study was to explore the participatory project planning approaches and performance of food security projects in Laikipia County, Kenya. Three theories were used to underscore this study, namely, Social Learning Theory, Theory of Change, and Climate Theory. Descriptive survey design was used in this research study. The target population was 17,200 persons out of which a sample size of 50 respondents was selected. This study used both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. In addition to, selection of the 25 management committee members (one committee member per FSP) was done purposively. Data was collected through questionnaires and interview guides. Qualitative data was collected using interview guides and subjected to content analysis, while Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires. In analyzing data, descriptive statistics were used with the help of S.P.S.S Version 26, and were expressed in percentages, frequencies, averages, and standard deviations. They were also displayed by use of graphs, bar, and pie charts. Also, multiple regression analysis was used to measure the extent to which the independent variables affected the dependent variable. The study found out that community participation is important, monitoring & evaluation is vital and was being practiced, project planning is important, and project performance is a major determinant in the success of FSPs. The research revealed that, a robust community participation plan enables those affected by any resolution a chance to shape the final output. If the community does not participate in the lifecycle of the projects in their community, those projects may not perform optimally. This is because, if there’s no ownership from the community members, the project will die. The research revealed that, these projects need a reliable source of funding to be able to expend and reach more households, and to ensure that the daily operations do not get disrupted. Currently, most projects survive through member contributions and a few donor grants. In order to ensure performance of food security projects in Laikipia county, the study recommends that the stakeholders must be included and should participate in all assessment and pre-planning activities as well as planning and implementation. This will help increase the chances for project performance, increase project credibility, as well as bridge the disconnect between the community and project stockholders. This will in turn enrich the project with more ideas that are community centered. Further studies should attempt to explore areas on donor policies, why most projects in Laikipia County fail to sustain themselves immediately after donor support is withdrawn, and the influence of government policies on food security projects.