Factors influencing perfomance of women owned development projects in Kenya: a case of Isiolo county

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the factors influencing performance of women development projects in Isiolo County. The study examined the extent to which poverty, cultural values and literacy level influences the performance of women development groups.This study was based on the assumption that women development projects if well managed contribute positively to the livelihoods of the poor people.The study was guided by community development theory. The study employed a descriptive survey research design because the information given was of personal nature. The reason for using descriptive survey research design was because it helped to give, why, where, what and when of the research questions. The study population was derived from four Women groups. The Women groups had a total 210 members including the managers. The study employed cluster sampling technique where 70 members were selected from the Women groups who were interviewed.Questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection. A pilot study was conducted where six questionnaires were issued to six respondents. Data analysis was qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative consisting of coding observation reports in the field. Data collected through the questionnaire was edited, coded and processed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings showed that a high percentage of the residents in Isiolo County had low income level which limits the ability of better performance in their projects. It was clear that the area was characterized by practices of rigid cultural practices which hindered the women from participating in positive development activities. Illiteracy level was also high in the area, which played a major role in affecting negatively the performance of women development projects. The study concluded that the area consisted of active youthful population who were nonessential, and if such groups could be tapped, empowered and enlightened on development projects, it will help in not only improving the performance of such groups but also increasing income level and reduction in poverty level in Isiolo County. The study therefore recommends that community empowerment programs and more cultural integration was necessary in achieving better project performance in Isiolo County. The research further suggested other research on sustainable development projects to be carried out in other counties in Kenya to find out the outcome on this subject matter.