Influence of community based projects’ management on sustainability of community based projects: a case of Itabua-Muthatari community water project in Embu county.

Abstract

Community based projects are the much needed vehicle which the poor and marginalized members of society use in order to attain financial independence. Community based organizations serve to bridge the gap between the ‗haves‘ and the ‗have-nots‘ of the society. Studies have reported that community organizations face major challenges which include poor leadership, inadequate skills and under-capitalization. The study assessed the influence of Itabua-Muthatari community water projects‘ management on sustainability of the community based project in Embu Sub County, Embu County. The objectives of the study were: to establish the influence of capacity building on sustainability of community based projects, assess the influence of accountability on sustainability of community based projects and to assess the influence of stakeholders‘ participation on sustainability of community based projects. The theoretical framework of this study was derived from the resilience theory. The study used descriptive survey design. The population of the study was 1019 members and a sample of 285 respondents was picked. The sample was picked using simple random sampling. Questionnaire was used to collect data. Ten (10) Itabua-Muthatari water project members were used for Pilot testing before the commencement of the study. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics was computed and data was presented using tables. The study found that water project members should be trained on water harvesting techniques, water use and management, horticulture, dairy farming, green house farming and group leadership. The management should use the right procurement procedures, prepare and present financial reports to members, audit books of accounts as required, inform members of the financial transactions of the project in an accountable and transparent manner. Active stakeholders influence the management to be accountable and transparent management and make it to use the right procurement procedures. Monitoring and evaluation influence sustainability of community based projects as indicated by 59 % of members who strongly agreed that the monitoring and evaluation enhance sustainability of projects, accountability, transparency and sustainability of projects. Plans for M&E should be developed at the same time and integrated with plans for the whole project. The generated information would help government departments, NGOs and private sector dealing with community projects to be able to understand the influence of capacity building, accountability, stakeholder participation and M&E on sustainability of community project