Factors Influencing Community Participation in Developmental Projects: A Case of Oljoro-Muriet, Losinyai Water Project in District, Tanzania

Abstract

Water is one of life saving resources that human being cannot survive without it, water plays a vital role in the survival of living things. The study focused on assessing factors influencing community participation in developmental Projects in Arusha District. Specifically, the study intended to examine socio-economic factors influencing community participation in Losinyai water project, examine demographic factors influencing community participation in Losinyai water project and to examine levels of participation in monitoring and evaluation in Losinyai water project. The study used Cross sectional research design, Questionnaire tool was used which included both open and closed ended questions and was administered to all 87 respondents. The study found that demographic factors influencing community participation in Losinyai water project however, house hold size and Occupation have no relation with the ability of influencing community member to participate in the community development. With regard to levels of participation in monitoring and evaluation in Losinyai water project study findings indicated that members did not participate in planning, implementation and monitoring of water supply projects. The findings concluded that on social-economic factors influencing community participation. Findings also concluded that levels of participation in monitoring and evaluation majority of people were involved in the implementation process therefor it was recommended that the government should provide adequate training to create awareness on the importance of community participation. As well as the study recommended that regular communication should be maintained between the leaders and villagers on the progress of water projects in the village.