Capacity Building Approaches and Performance of Maasai Women Development Projects in Meru District in Arusha, Tanzania

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess capacity-building approaches and performance of Maasai Women Development Projects in Meru District in the Arusha region in Tanzania. The study sought to achieve four specific objectives. These include to assess Asset ownership and the performance of Maasai Women Development Projects in Meru District, to assess training and performance of Maasai Women Development Projects in Meru District examine financial support and performance of Maasai Women Development Projects in Meru District, and to determine participation and performance of Maasai Women Development Projects in Meru District. The study employed a descriptive research design that combined quantitative and qualitative methods. The target population was 150 Maasai women from which a sample size of 81 respondents were selected from two projects, by using stratified sampling. Data were collected by using ‘questionnaires and interviews. Analysis of data was done using SPSS version 25 using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data collected during interviews. The study found that asset ownership positively influences performance of women economic empowerment projects by enabling women to acquire land, business loans, and coping with financial socks. The study’s findings showed that financial support positively influences performance of women economic empowerment projects by enabling women to meet basic needs, take their children to school, and contribute to household income. The study found that asset training positively influences performance of women economic empowerment projects by enabling women to acquire knowledge of business management, income saving, designing and selling products. The study found that participation positively influence performance of women economic empowerment projects by enabling women to form and join income support groups and engaging in policy advocacy. Hence, the study concludes that asset ownership, training, financial support and participation have influence on the performance of Maasai Women Development Projects implemented in Meru District in Arusha Region. This study recommends continuous improvement of financial support, training, and participation of Maasai Women in economic development projects