Factors influencing sustainability in projects initiated by Women in Mulot- Division Narok South district Narok County,Kenya

Abstract

The aim of the study was to establish the influence of sustainability in projects initiated by women in Mulot Division Narok South District, Narok County. Project sustainability is a major challenge in many developing countries. Large number of projects implemented at high cost often tends to experience difficulties with sustainability. Women make up the majority of the agricultural sector in Kenya. In the developing countries evidence suggest that not only is their productivity constrained by a lack of appropriate skills and training (Danida ,2004) but also they are particularly vulnerable to a range of changes including economic and enviromnental changes( e.g. Aguilar,2009). Mulot division being one of the rural areas in Kenya is not an exception. The problem has not been fully addressed. The study was guided by the following objectives: To investigate the extent to which monitoring and evaluation of projects initiated by women influence sustainability of projects in Mulot Division of Narok South District Narok County; to determine how environment influence sustainability of projects in Mulot Division Narok South District Narok County; to examine how education influence sustainability of projects initiated by women in Mulot Division of Narok South District Narok County; to explore how gender roles influence sustainability of projects initiated by women in Mulot Division of Narok South District Narok County. The influence of these factors on sustainability of projects was summarized by a conceptual framework. The research adopted a descriptive survey design which seeks to uncover the, nature of factors involved in a given situation, the degree in which it exist and the relationship between them (Travers, 1969). The study targeted a total population of 18,142 and 1 DGSDO 1 CDA. A sample size of 1 DGSDO, 1 CDA and 375 women were used during piloting. The study addressed content validity. Close ended and open ended questionnaire which was presented on a likert scale was used to allow participants respond with degree of agreement or disagreement. Data collected was presented in form frequency tables and percentages for easier understanding and interpretation. Descriptive statistic were used. Based on the findings of the study the researcher concluded that effective project should be geared up to yield the indented results and last longer for continuity of services monitoring and evaluation of projects should be strengthened and empowered as this works as part of project coordination. Alternative sources of funding must be envisaged during the planning and implementation of the programmes. Resources needs to be utilized properly and that women needs to be creative, innovative and active in their projects activities and participation. The research made the following recommendation; women need to be empowered. They should have secure better living in terms of health, ~ood, security, employment and education. They should collaborate with stake holders, Government, NGOs and other well wishers to meet a common goal. The searcher also suggested for further research to be carried out on to cover other counties in Kenya research on the effects of globalization and emerging technology on the sustainability of women income generating project, the influence of market liberalization on the sustainability of women income generating projects in Kenya and the influence of education and convenient training, implementation and post-implementation of projects.