Determinants of Project Sustainability: A Study on Implemented Projects by NGOs in Jimma Zone, Oromia Region, South Western Ethiopia

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sampled target beneficiaries using structured questionnaire whereas the secondary data was collected from published and unpublished sources.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.