Determinants of Sustainability of Drought Support Projects Among Pastoralists in Maginalised Areas: a Case of Isiolo County, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the determinants of sustainability of pastoralist’s drought support projects in Isiolo County putting into emphasis the case of REGAL-AG Project in Isiolo County, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to determine the influence of resource availability, institutional linkages, community participation and project progress reporting on sustainability of Drought support project in Isiolo County. The study was based on the policy theory, the resource-based view theory, program theory and theory of hierarchy of needs. The researcher in this study applied descriptive survey research method. The target population included the Management staff of REGAL-AG in Isiolo including ACDI VOCA, Mercy Corps, World Food Programme (WFP), Merti Integrated Development Program (MID-P), relevant Government Ministries and the drought support project beneficiaries committee members. A sample of 99 out of 312 wasestablished using the Nassiuma (2000) formula. Stratified and simple random sampling technique were used in this study. The study collected both primary and secondary data. The study used questionnaires to collect data. To enable the researcher, understand the data collected and assign meaning to the resulting statistics, an analysis of data was done to summarize the essential features and relationships of data to generalize and determine patterns of behaviour and outcomes. The completed questionnaires were reviewed for completeness and consistency before responses can be processed. Qualitative and quantitative techniques were used in the data analysis. Content analysis was done, while descriptive analysis such as mean, frequencies and percentages were used to analyse the data. Regression analysis using multiple linear regression model was employed to establish the significance of the independent variables on the dependent variable. Tables were used for data presentation.The research found that resources were not adequate undertaking the projects.The study also found that there are opportunities for learning and catalyzing commercial investments.The research established that the land where the project is being undertaken is provided by the community.The research also found that monitoring systems designed to ensure effectiveness. The study concluded that resource availability had the greatest influence on the sustainability of drought support project in Isiolo County, followed by community participation, then project progress reporting whileinstitutional linkages had the least influence to the sustainability of drought support project in Isiolo County.The study recommends that all community members should be involved at all stages of project cycle so as to make the community to have a wide perspective of the as well as its importance and hence ownership.All management committees for drought support projects should develop bi-laws and constitutions governing such projects. Such constitutions will help in ensuring that management of such projects steer away from avoidable conflicts. This will give room for effective oversight by government bodies that will enhance effective management.