‘’Factors Affecting Sustainability of Community Development Projects In Tanzania.

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.