Sustainability of donor-funded community projects under dadps in Tanzania: a case of selected local chicken improvement sub-projects in Morogoro municipality.

Abstract

Like many other developing countries the public sector in Tanzania has also implemented innumerable donor-funded projects particularly during the last decade. However, every time a project concludes the concern on its effective implementation, corruption, mismanagement and sustainability are raised in the media. Thus, this study was conducted to assess sustainability of selected local chicken improvement (LCI) community sub-projects under District Agricultural Development Plans (DADPs) in Morogoro Municipality of the Morogoro region, Tanzania. Specific objectives were to: identify factors affecting sustainability of LCI community sub-projects initiative process; assess the extent of stakeholders’ participation in different stages of selected LCI community sub-projects and determine factors related to sustainability of selected LCI community sub-projects. Data were collected from 144 respondents, including 120 household heads, 4 extension agents and 20 key informants using questionnaires, researcher’s diary and checklist. Quantitative data were analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer programme and qualitative data were analysed using “content analysis” technique. The study identified different factors affecting sustainability of LCI community sub-projects initiative process. It was concluded that sustainability requires continued analysis of flexibility to adopt new approaches which requires long-term commitment on part of stakeholders. It was therefore recommended that every community should be empowered to undertake its project activities with minimum outside assistance to meet its needs. The study also suggested undertaking case studies on factors affecting sustainability of LCI community sub-projects under DADPs in other parts of the country, in order to develop and enhance understanding of sustainability of community donor-funded project experiences, potentials and opportunities.