Abstract:
This study explores the factors affecting the sustainability of community development
projects in Tanzania a case of Bunda district also Specific objectives were to: (i)
identify socio-economic factors affecting sustainability of community development
projects; (ii) assess the extent of stakeholder’s participation in different stages of
selected community development projects; and (iii) determine institutional factors
affecting sustainability of community development projects. The purpose of this study
is to assess the factors affecting the sustainability of community development projects
in Tanzania a case of Bunda district. Data were collected from 399 respondents
including 385 household heads and four extension agents from four villages in Bunda
district and 14 key informants using questionnaires, researcher’s diary and checklist
where by 53.1% being male and 46.9% female, indicating a near-balanced gender
representation. The age distribution revealed that the majority of respondents (67.4%)
were under 35 years, emphasizing the significant role of youth in driving community
development. Quantitative data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social
Science (SPSS) computer software. The study identified different factors affecting
sustainability of community development projects initiative process in the study area;
the extent of stakeholder’s participation in different stages of selected community
development projects; and factors related to sustainability of community development
projects. It was concluded that the primary goal of local community projects in the
study area was to meet their basic resources needed in ways that it could be continued
in future; the question of stakeholder participation from sustainability perspective is
where control should reside, that is, whether mobilization, community development,
organizing or empowerment strategies are employed.
