Abstract:
The study was conducted to identify determinants of project sustainability
implemented by different NGOs in Jimma zone. Information gaps on determinants
that can affect the sustainability of development projects implemented by different
NGOs in Jimma zone have initiated the researcher to conduct the research.
Therefore, the objectives of the study were to examine the extent of community
participation in all stages of project cycle, examine how government policies,
strategies and exit strategies influence sustainability of implemented projects and
identify significant determinants of project sustainability. The study employed both
primary and secondary data sources where primary data was collected from sampled
target beneficiaries using structured questionnaire whereas the secondary data was
collected from published and unpublished sources. The target population was 17,176
beneficiaries of six projects implemented by six NGOs that have phased out in the
past five years (2017-2022) out of which 109 sample respondents were drawn based
on probability proportion to sample projects. Descriptive and inferential analyses
were used to describe the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of sample
project beneficiaries and determinants of project sustainability respectively. Key
informant interview was done using two persons per each project sampled and two
from zonal focal persons. To draw conclusion about population under the study,
different tests were undertaken for critical assumption of statistical analysis. From the
result of the study, educational level of project beneficiaries, community training,
community involvement in the project identification, government involvement and
follow up in project activities after fund stops , and execution of planned exit
strategies throughout the whole project life were found the variables that influence
sustainability of projects implemented by NGOs. It can be recommended that more
effective project sustainability results can be achieved through execution of planned
project exit strategies throughout the whole project life. Moreover, the finding of the
study encourage government to design and in place exit strategies for projects, follow
up its execution and ensure accountability system if any failure occurs. Further
studies would be advised to identify the sustainability between different projects on
different temporal and spatial scales.
