Examining the Sustainability Perspectives of Beneficiaries and Benefactors in Community Based Projects in Masvingo province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Informed by Marcus and Mao’s (2004) Participation Theory, the Rotary International (2014) recognises that Community Based Projects (CBPs) are central to development across all levels of society; and embracing sustainable practices enables these projects to promote democratic coexistence, mitigate environmental woes, foster social equity and ensure long-term economic viability. However, in developing countries, most such projects are funded from overseas and they often face sustainability challenges such as lack of continuity when the funders pull out, which motivated this current research. The aim of the research was to examine the project
sustainability perspectives in force among CBPs implemented in Masvingo Province. The research adopted a mixed methods approach called concurrent triangulation (a convergent or parallel design) for the purpose of applying both qualitative and quantitative data, allowing the views of different stakeholders to be thoroughly appreciated in the study. Quantitative data from 256 representatives of project implementing agencies was examined using descriptive statistics and factor analysis; while thematic analysis was employed in the analysis of qualitative data gleaned from 15 beneficiary representatives. Quantitative analysis yielded that many organisations
were in conformity with common sustainability practices. For example, the mean statistics for all considered measures of project sustainability were all above the theoretical mean. Factor analysis too produced results where all the rankings were above half, which could suggest mere operational efficiency. However, a closer look into the qualitative findings indicated that the compliance left many sustainability gaps. Qualitative findings showed that some agencies were using a one-size-fits-all approach to project identification, formulation, assessment, and implementation thereby involving the communities only as a formality while the projects are predesigned. The chief recommendation to drive sustainability in CBPs is for the implementing agencies to directly involve the grassroots communities for inclusivity and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, this study recommends gradually substituting local
financing systems for foreign aid as well as propagating essential skills among the project end-users rather than non-locals who will soon leave the community