Community Participation and Sustainability of Self Help Groups (Shgs) in Kalungu District; A Case of Lwabenge Community Development Project

Abstract

The study investigated how community participation contributes to sustainability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Lwabenge Community Development Project in Kalungu district. The objectives of the study were: to investigate how community participation in planning, community participation in implementation and community participation in monitoring and evaluation contribute to sustainability of SHGs in Lwabenge Community Development Project in Kalungu district. The study used a case study research design where both quantitative and qualitative approaches for data collection and analysis were used. The researcher used a sample of 156 respondents. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview guides and a documentary review checklist. Pearson’s correlation co-efficient was used to determine whether there was a linear relationship between the independent (IV) and dependent variables (DV). Qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis. Findings of the study revealed that community participation in planning; community participation in implementation and community participation in monitoring and evaluation affects sustainability of SHGs. The study concluded that community participation in planning, community participation in implementation and community participation in monitoring and evaluation has a positive relationship with sustainability of SHGs. The study recommends that; there is need to involve all stakeholders in all the activities at all stages of the project (planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation).The community also has to be empowered to lobby for more fund ,improve on mobilization strategy for meetings and trainings, carry out wise investment for increased income. The Institutional structures also need to direct more efforts on sustainability of community initiated projects in addition to strengthening their capacity in M&E.