Role of Community Participation on Sustainability of Donor Funded Food Security Projects in Tharaka South Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

Participatory approach has been embraced globally for most development projects including food security projects implementation in many communities. However, many food security projects lack sustainability and the projects collapse following the exit of the donor funding. This study sought to examine the role of community participation on the sustainability of donor funded food security projects in Tharaka South Sub County, Kenya. Using a descriptive survey design, a sample of 227 respondents was purposively but randomly selected and data on community participation on project sustainability collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. The data collected was analyzed using correlation analysis, frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation. The findings showed that community participation and sustainability of donor funded food security projects correlated positively. The community involvement especially in at project implementation and monitoring stage enhanced sustainability of donor funded food security projects. It was observed that 85% 9.7% and 5.3% of the respondents contributed manual labour, monetary and technical support, respectively to the donor funded food security projects. Based on the findings, the study recommended that community members be involved in generating project ideas as well as considered in monetary contribution and technical support for the donor funded food security projects. It is necessary to train and empower the community project members on project sustainability. The donors should also consider to continue playing their role in the operation and maintenance of the donor funded food security projects.