Which factors influence the sustainability of self help group projects in Taita Taveta District?

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

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.