Factors Affecting Sustainability of Donor Funded Food Security Projects in Tharaka South Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Abstract

Project activities have been used to solve food insecurity problems. However, despite efforts made by the Government and other development partners to implement food security projects in areas of need project activities collapse after the withdrawal of support by donors limiting sustainability these projects. Therefore, this study sought to fill this gap by investigating factors which affect sustainability of donor funded food security projects in Tharaka South Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County using there source based and stakeholder theories. The study was exploratory and was executed through a descriptive survey and targeted donor funded food security projects which included Njaa Marufuku, National Agriculture Sector Extension Policy, Food for Asset and Mount Kenya East Pilot Project for Natural Resource Management (MKEPP). The study used both simple random and purposive sampling methods in a population of 400 community project beneficiaries, Social Development Officer, project officers and opinion leaders and a sample of 238 respondents was adopted. Questionnaires with both closed ended and open-ended questions were used as the main research instruments to solicit information and the data obtained was coded and subjected to analysis using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Out of sample of 238, 227 respondents filled in and submitted the questionnaires making a response rate of 95% respectively. It was observed that community involvement and sustainability of donor funded food security projects correlated positively and significantly (r=0.548, p=0.000); Institution capacity and sustainability of donor funded food security projects correlated positively and significantly (r=0.521, p=0.000) and roles of donors and sustainability of donor funded food security projects correlated positively (r=0.534, p=0.000). Finally, the study established that donors play a very important role in ensuring sustainability of donor funded food security projects.