Community factors that influence monitoring and evaluation of constituency development fund projects in Dujis, constituency –Garissa county

Abstract

Despite the increase in the number of Non Governmental Organizations participating in various project such as developmental and poverty alleviation, poverty continues to be rife and communities continue to languish in it. This can be attributed to poor monitoring of the development projects hence embezzlement of community funds. The purpose of the study was to investigate community factors that influenced monitoring and evaluation of community development funds in Dujis, Constituency. Four research objectives were formulated to guide the study. The first research questions one sought to determine the extent to which community was involved in developing monitoring and evaluation tools of CDF project in Dujis Constituency, Garissa county, research question two sought to determine factors that influenced process of appointment of CDF monitoring and evaluation committee in Dujis constituency-Garissa county, the second research question three examined how cultural practices affected M & E of the CDF Projects in Dujis constituency-Garissa county and lastly to identify strategies for improving M & E of the CDF projects in Dujis Constituency-Garissa county. The researcher adopted descriptive survey design in carrying out the study. The sample comprised of 7 Dujis Constituency Development Committee members, 60 beneficiaries of CDF project and 5 CDF executive committee. The sample was selected by use of stratified random sampling. Findings of the study showed that the community did not participate in developing M&E tools in their locality. For example majority 5(71.4%) of the development committee indicated that community did not participate in planning. The local community was suggested to be involved in the CDF committee election process. and minorities and marginalized to be considered in election process, project formulation, implementation and monitoring and evaluation activities and that gender balance in committee should be put in place. Community level of education, tribalism in project allocation hindered community participation. Religious factors where some people were of the opinion that the project was used lure them into changing their religious status and culture was also a hindrance where in most cases women representation in any public activity was not regarded. There also lack of political goodwill in project evaluation. Based on the findings of the study, the study concluded that the community did not participate in developing M&E tools in their locality. The study also recommended that the community should be involved in the CDF committee election process. They should also be invited to give opinions concerning the running of the programme. The community should be sensitized on project involvement in the locality. The study also recommended that both women and men should participate in M&E in the same manner and women representation in any public activity should be regarded. Taking the limitations and delimitations of the study, the researcher suggests that a further research on the factors that enhance public participation in the CDF projects performance should be conducted.