Sustainability of Donor-funded Community development projects in Tanzania: A case of farmer Groups investment sub-projects in Morogoro District

Abstract

International donors have played a significant role in development projects in Tanzania; they have assisted community/government to implement sectoral system reform. The purpose of this study was to assess sustainability of Farmer Groups Investment Sub-Projects in Morogoro District, Tanzania. The specific objectives were to: examine selected farmer groups investment sub-projects sustainability initiative process, assess the extent of stakeholders’ participation in different stages of selected farmer groups investment sub-projects and examine social, economic and environmental factors related to sustainability of selected farmer groups investments sub-projects. Data were collected from 80 farmer group investment community member respondents, four extension agents, 10 key informants and various documentary sources using interview schedule, researcher’s diary and checklist. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer software and “content analysis” technique was used to analyse qualitative data. It was found that sustainability of farmer groups investment sub-projects requires consideration and analysis of variety of factors which needs commitment of all stakeholders. It was recommended that the critical factors in ensuring sustainability is to facilitate and empower local communities so that they can plan for their development to ensure commitment and feel a sense of ownership, which will ensure social, economic and environmental sustainability. The study also suggested to undertake case study on interaction among stakeholders in the study area to elicit more reliable clues that would contribute to evidence based policy for sustainability of farmer groups investment sub-projects.