Monitoring and Evaluation Drivers, Type of Project Leadership and Performance of Horticulture Projects Supported by Kenya National Farmers Federation, Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

Monitoring and evaluation (M & E) and type of project leadership are some aspects that contribute to high project performance. This study was meant to identify the influence of monitoring and evaluation drivers and type of project leadership on performance of horticulture projects supported by Kenya National Farmers Federation (KENAFF) in Nakuru County. Seven objectives guided the study .The first four objectives determined the influence of each of the independent variables under M &E drivers on performance of horticulture projects namely; M & E culture, human resource capacity for M& E; monitoring and evaluation budget and utilization of M & E information. The fifth objective sought to establish the combined effect of M & E drivers on performance of horticulture projects. The sixth objective examined the influence of type of project leadership on performance of horticulture projects. The seventh objective sought to determine the moderating influence of type of project leadership on the relationship between M &E drivers and performance of horticulture projects. Pragmatic paradigm guided the study employing Cross Sectional, Correlation descriptive survey design. The study was guided by Interdependency theory, System theory, and Contingency theory. The study population comprised of 28 groups implementing horticulture projects, out of which a sample of 15 groups was drawn using purposive, cluster, and proportionate sampling. Respondents for the study were 154, out of which 135 were drawn from the farmers’ groups, 19 from KENAFF secretariat. Collection of data was done using a structured questionnaire of Likert type for farmer groups and KENAFF staff. Interview schedule and Focus Group Discussions were used to triangulate study findings. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data using means standard deviations, frequencies and percentages. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient(r) was computed to test the influence of M &E drivers and type of project leadership on performance of horticulture project. Hierarchical Regression (R2) analysis indicated that the influence of the independent variables were significant at .05 significant levels. F Test was used to test the hypotheses and established that M & E drivers separately and jointly influence performance of horticulture projects. It was also established that type of project leadership had a moderating influence on the relationship between M &E drivers and performance of horticulture projects. However the influence of type of project leadership on performance of horticulture projects on its own is not as significant as when introduced as a moderator. The study recommends that issues of M & E need to be factored in a the design stage &E be part of the organization mission and vision as this will attract management support including allocation of sufficient resources. There is need to carry out a study to establish the actual influence of specific M &E drivers in other sectors beyond horticulture. A study using longitudinal design is recommended to establish the long term effect of M &E drivers. There is need to also carry out a study on the influence of evaluation results and their usability in gauging project performance.