Abstract:
This study investigates the underperformance of government development projects in
education and water sectors within Longido District Council, Arusha, Tanzania. The
persistent problem of delayed projects, budget overruns, and suboptimal outcomes
prompted an assessment of the causes, impacts, and challenges in project delivery. The
research aimed to identify factors contributing to underperformance, its effects on service
delivery, and challenges faced during implementation. An interpretivist research
philosophy guided this qualitative study, employing a cross-sectional design. Data were
collected through semi-structured interviews with 11 key informants and three focus group
discussions (FGDs) with 19 participants, using purposive and convenience sampling
strategies to select participants. The analysis involved thematic analysis of qualitative data
to identify patterns and trends related to project performance. Systems Theory provided
the theoretical foundation, emphasizing the interrelated factors impacting project
outcomes. Key findings revealed poor project coordination, inadequate funding, weak
oversight, and cultural factors as significant causes of underperformance, leading to
unfinished schools and unreliable water sources. The study concludes that effective
governance and community engagement are essential for improving project delivery. It is
therefore recommended that, strengthening accountability mechanisms, increasing
stakeholder participation, and enhancing resource allocation will ensure sustainable
outcomes. This research contributes to the literature by offering insights into the localized
factors affecting project performance in rural Tanzania, highlighting the need for targeted
interventions in similar contexts.
