COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND SUSTAINABILITY OF COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN NTUNGAMO DISTRICT: A CASE STUDY OF THE YOUTH LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMME

Abstract

The study sought to examine the relationship between community participation and the sustainability of community projects in Ntungamo District, with specific focus on three dimensions of participation: participatory planning, participatory implementation, and participatory monitoring and evaluation. A cross-sectional research design was employed, using a quantitative approach. Data were collected from 252 respondents including project beneficiaries, implementers, and local leaders using structured questionnaires and interview guides. The sample was selected using purposive and simple random sampling to ensure representation from sub-counties benefiting from YLP. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25. Descriptive statistics summarized respondent characteristics and perceptions, while Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to test the relationships between the variables. The findings revealed that all three dimensions of community participation had a statistically significant and positive influence on the sustainability of community projects. Participatory planning (β = 0.156, t = 2.680, p = 0.008) demonstrated that involving community members in identifying needs and designing interventions increases project ownership and continuity. Participatory implementation (β = 0.169, t = 2.509, p = 0.013) showed that active engagement of local stakeholders in executing project activities enhances resource commitment and relevance. Participatory monitoring and evaluation (β = 0.581, t = 8.098, p < 0.001) was found to be the strongest predictor, indicating that inclusive feedback and assessment mechanisms significantly drive community accountability and project sustainability. The study concluded that community participation plays a critical role in sustaining development projects in Ntungamo District. It was therefore recommended that government ministries and implementing partners institutionalize participatory practices at all project stages, strengthen local structures to support implementation, and integrate community-led M&E frameworks to ensure long-term benefits of youth livelihood interventions.