Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and Sustainability of Grassroots Sports Development Initiatives – the Case of Vihiga County Cricket Development Project

Abstract

In recent years, the field of sports development has gained increased attention and investment, driven by a growing recognition of the benefits of sports participation. Many sports organizations have introduced programs aimed at both developing their respective sports and leveraging the power of sports to achieve broader social outcomes, such as gender equality, social inclusion, and community health. Central to these efforts are grassroots initiatives, which are essential for optimal sports development. However, studies show that these initiatives are often underfunded and poorly planned, resulting in limited success and compromised sustainability. This study aimed to investigate the influence of monitoring and evaluation practices on the sustainability of these grassroots initiatives, focusing specifically on the Vihiga County Cricket Development Project in Kenya. It examined four key variables: monitoring and evaluation planning, resource allocation for monitoring and evaluation, capacity building in monitoring and evaluation, and the utilization of monitoring and evaluation results. The research was grounded in program theory, theory of change, and systems theory, and utilized a descriptive research design. Data was collected from 99 individuals out of a target population of 131, with questionnaires administered to both project staff and cricket players to capture a comprehensive view of the project’s strengths, challenges, and broader social impacts. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using Excel and R, respectively. The findings highlight that structured monitoring and evaluation planning contributes positively to sustainability by aligning goals and establishing clear metrics. However, insufficient resources and limited technical capacity in monitoring and evaluation were identified as major challenges, impacting the project’s ability to track progress and retain player engagement. Additionally, while monitoring and evaluation results do inform decision-making, inconsistent application of these insights restricts strategic adjustments that are essential for long-term sustainability. The study also points to missed opportunities for collaboration with external development partners, suggesting the potential for increased resource mobilization and enhanced project impact. Recommendations for the Vihiga County Cricket Development Project include enhancing resource allocation, expanding capacity-building efforts, improving the integration of monitoring and evaluation insights, fostering partnerships, and promoting gender inclusion. This study demonstrates the value of monitoring and evaluation practices within sports development initiatives and offers insights for similar grassroots projects.