This study sought to identify the factors influencing sustainability of self-help group projects in Taita Taveta district. The focus was on self-help groups supported through the Agricultural Sector Programme Support (ASPS). The research design was a descriptive survey involving 30 self-help groups and 20 frontline extension workers. Both secondary and primary data were collected. The collected data were tabulated and then analyzed using the "list and tally" method. After all the responses were tallied, frequency and percentage distribution tables were prepared.
The key recommendations of the study were the training of private service providers (PSPs) to supplement services offered by the few existing public and private service providers. Similarly, the approval of National Agricultural Sector Extension Policy –Implementation Framework (NASEP-IF) and the Agricultural Sector Development Strategy (ASDS) policy documents will bolster provision of advisory services as they recognize the role played by the private sector in agricultural development. Social loafing was ranked highly as a factor influencing sustainability of self-help group projects. This study recommends further research on the concept of social loafing, to determine its causes, effects and how self-help groups can deal with it.
Group approach to development is seen by development partners both public and private as the most cost- effective way of addressing community needs when compared with the individual approach. Interventions managed by self-help groups operate profitably when external assistance is flowing. However, after the cessation of external support, most of these projects either collapse or continue to operate below capacity. Most development partners are raising concerns over the sustainability of self-help group projects.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Statement of the problem
1.3 Purpose of the study
1.4 Objectives of the study
1.5 Research questions
1.6 Significance of the study
1.7 Scope of the study
1.8 Delimitations of the study
1.9 Basic Assumptions of the study
1.10 Limitations of the study
1.11 Definition of significant terms used in the study
1.12 Organization of the study
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Definition of sustainability
2.3 Concept of sustainable development
2.4 Sustainability of projects
2.5 Third party influence
2.6 Group decision making processes
2.7 Group dynamics
2.8 Project management
2.9 Social loafing
2.10 Advisory services
2.11 Knowledge gap
2.12 Conceptual framework
2.13 Summary of literature
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY AND RESEARCH DESIGN
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research design
3.3 Target population and sample size
3.4 Sampling procedure
3.5 Data collection instruments and methods
3.6 Validity and reliability
3.7 Ethical considerations
3.8 Methods of data analysis
3.9 Operational definition of variables
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Response analysis
4.3 Profile of respondents
4.4 Factors influencing sustainability of self help projects
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, DISCUSSIONS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Summary of findings
5.3 Discussion of the findings
5.4. Conclusions
5.5 Recommendations
5.6 Suggestions for further research
Research Objectives and Focus
The primary objective of this research is to identify the critical factors that influence the sustainability of self-help group projects within the Taita Taveta District, specifically focusing on groups supported by the Agricultural Sector Programme Support (ASPS).
- Third-party influence on project sustainability
- Impact of undemocratic decision-making processes
- Role of group dynamics and project management skills
- Effects of social loafing within group structures
- Influence of advisory services on project outcomes
Excerpt from the Book
2.8 Project management
Lock D (1996), sees the purpose of project management as to see or predict as many of the dangers and problems as possible and to plan, organize and control activities so that the project is completed as successfully as possible in spite of all the risks. This process starts before any resources are committed, and must continue until all work is finished. Hence, project management skills are a requisite for sustainable project implementation.
Training of beneficiaries in various aspects of project management is critical to successful implementation of self help projects. However, Reynold and Wallis (1974) found out that only 10% of leaders of self help projects in Kwale district had received some training which was related to self help projects. In support of these findings, Chitere P (1994) asserts that training of self help groups which ideally should occupy a central place in community development effort is almost non-existent.
Oyugi W.O (1973) noted that management of completed self help projects posed challenges to the groups and if not taken over and supported by the government or any other development agency the projects continued to offer inferior services.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides the background and problem statement regarding the sustainability of self-help group projects in Taita Taveta, outlining the research objectives and significance.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter reviews theoretical perspectives on sustainability and development, examining factors like group dynamics, third-party influence, and project management.
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY AND RESEARCH DESIGN: This chapter describes the descriptive survey design, the sampling procedures used for the 30 self-help groups and 20 extension workers, and the data collection tools.
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION: This chapter presents the empirical findings gathered from the study, analyzing the various factors influencing project sustainability.
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, DISCUSSIONS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This final chapter synthesizes the research findings, offers logical conclusions, and provides strategic recommendations for strengthening self-help group projects.
Keywords
Sustainability, Self-help groups, Taita Taveta, Project management, Social loafing, Group dynamics, Advisory services, Community development, ASPS, Agricultural development, Decision-making, Third-party influence, Capacity building, Rural development, Policy framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research examines the factors that influence the long-term sustainability of self-help group projects in the Taita Taveta District of Kenya.
What are the central themes addressed in the study?
The study centers on management skills, social interactions within groups, the role of external advisory services, and decision-making processes.
What is the core research objective?
The objective is to identify and analyze why many self-help group projects fail after external support ceases and to suggest ways to ensure their sustainability.
Which scientific methodology was applied?
The author employed a descriptive survey design, collecting both primary and secondary data, which were then analyzed using a "list and tally" method to generate frequency and percentage distributions.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It provides a comprehensive literature review, details the research methodology, presents data on group performance, and offers a discussion based on the collected findings.
Which keywords define this study?
The work is defined by terms such as project sustainability, self-help groups, group dynamics, project management skills, and social loafing.
How does social loafing affect these projects?
The study highlights social loafing as a major hindrance, where individual contribution and attendance decrease as groups operate, leading to potential project collapse.
What role does advisory service play in sustainability?
The research concludes that inadequate advisory services, often due to low staffing and lack of transport, limit the ability of groups to access necessary technical and management skills.
How does third-party influence impact self-help groups?
While the study found third-party interference to be minimal, it notes that political interests, especially during election campaigns, can alter group priorities and disrupt their operations.
What is the most critical recommendation of the author?
The author recommends the training of private service providers and building the capacity of groups in project management and entrepreneurship to shift from social activities to sustainable business ventures.
- Citation du texte
- Harrison Kiamba (Auteur), 2010, Which factors influence the sustainability of self help group projects in Taita Taveta District?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/470485
