An analysis of factors that hinder participation of single mothers in community projects a case of the genge location nyeri district of central province

Abstract

This research study investigated the various factors that inhibit participation of single mothers in community projects within The genge location of Nyeri District Central Province of Kenya. The Objectives addressed were to investigate factors that inhibit participation of single mothers in community project among them being availability of time , incidence of poverty among this class of women , education level , cultural practices and community leadership. The research design that was used in this research in order to obtain information on the current status of single mothers was a survey which Mugenda and Mugenda (1999) says is the best to collect original data for the purpose of describing a large population which cannot be observed fully. Data collection tools employed in the study were questionnaires to obtain information from single mothers and project officials. To triangulate data obtained through questionnaires focus group interviews were organized to obtain information from the Chief, Sub-chiefs and opinion leaders. Data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively with the help of statistical package for social sciences and later presented using percentage and frequency distribution tables. To ensure validity and reliability a sample of 20 questionnaire, were pretested and a correlation analysis done. The study found out that single mothers do not participate in community projects because they either lack time or have very little time left for community work ( over 94%) , because they are poor (70.4% are below ksh 6000 per month) and because of cultural practices that discriminate against them. Based on the findings of the research study and comments of the various respondents, the following recommendations were arrived at:- The government shocl<a develop social programmes that would empower the single mothers, Single mothers should be equipped with project management skills to enable them to favourably compete with the other women and finally they should form groups of , their own in order to fight for their rightful positions in the society. The research study may help the government to improve on policy formulation and implementation and also help to turn attention of the various development players to this neglected section of the population.