Small Christian community participation in managing development projects: an evaluation of projects in the catholic diocese of Moshi, Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating Small Christian Community (SCC) participation in managing development projects of the Catholic Diocese of Moshi. Concurrent triangulation design was employed. Simple random technique was applied to draw a representative sample from 165 SCCs where 370 respondents were picked randomly. Questionnaire, key informant interviews guide were tools used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using binary logistic regression while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The findings revealed that community participation in designing, contributions in kind and decision making are likely to highly influence the growth of development projects. The findings also revealed that SCCs have no ownership of the projects as they believe the projects are for the Church and not for the community. It was also revealed that SCCs have gained education and health facilities and new farming methods from free seminars and workshops conducted by Church projects. The findings further indicate that majority of SCC members participate in development projects. It is concluded that SCCs have gained a positive change from Church projects as they provide education, health facilities and self-employment. This study recommends the Catholic Diocese of Moshi (CDM) to mobilize and encourage all SCCs to participate in development activities without focusing on personal benefits from the projects. It is further recommended that SCCs should own Church projects so as to sustain them and benefit more from the services rendered. The study findings may be influential in guiding the Catholic Church on the importance of SCCs and development projects.