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Stakeholder Participation and Performance of Water Projects in Kirinyaga County, Kenya
No full textPerformance of a water project largely depend on how stakeholders are involved in the project. Stakeholder participation collaborate all inputs which are important in the project implementation especially providing solutions to various challenges based on their shared experiences. The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of stakeholder participation on performance of water projects in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. The study targeted to evaluate role of involving stakeholder in identification, planning, monitoring and evaluation and implementation on performance of projects pertaining water on county of Kirinyaga. General system hypothesis was used together in conjunction with descriptive research design and cross-sectional in the process of data collection. The total target population were 29 water projects in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. The researcher purposively picked 3 respondents that include managers, assistant project managers and project supervisors giving a total purposive sample of 87 respondents. The questionnaire was used in collecting primary data. Questionnaire were distributed by drop and pick strategy. Analysis of data employed various forms statistics ranging from regression, correlation, standard deviation, mean, percentages and frequencies. The descriptive finding of the study indicated enjoining stakeholders on process of planning, identification, and execution during implementation and supervisory of monitoring and evaluation of projects have been moderately adopted in water projects. Inferential finding indicated that collaborating stakeholders’ initiatives in these following stage of planning, identification, monitoring and evaluation, planning and implementation significantly contributed to performance. The study recommend that proper feasibility study should involve all the stakeholders comprehensively. In addition, adequate sensitization is supposed to be undertaken to equip the community with information that is necessary. The project implementers should involve the community in tracking projects progress. There is need for project and community to work together during assessment so that elaborate assessment is undertaken and all gaps that might hamper project implementation are identified. The study recommends strengthening of public participation in all processes of a project. Public participation promotes accountability in the process thus improving efficiency.
Keywords: Stakeholder engagement, project planning, project implementation, KIRIWASC
Socioeconomic Impact of Disseminated Technologies of Development Projects on the Daily Farming in Low Rainfall-Prone Areas of Rwanda: Case of Innovafrica Project
No full textThis research study investigated the socioeconomic impact of introducing disseminated technologies of development projects on daily farming in low rainfall-prone regions of Rwanda. The study focused on the InnovAfrica Project in Kirehe District. The study found that a significant proportion of respondents had adopted and actively used agricultural technologies promoted by the InnovAfrica Project. The technologies included forage storage, irrigation systems, and drought-resistant seeds. The study also found that the InnovAfrica Project positively influenced food security in the study area. Respondents reported increased access to adequate and diverse food supply, better coping mechanisms during food shortages or adverse weather conditions, and an overall enhancement of food security. Moreover, participation in the InnovAfrica Project also resulted in positive changes in socioeconomic conditions. Respondents reported improved household income, better access to education, and increased access to healthcare services. This positive impact contributed to an overall increase in well-being. Recommendations from the research include enhancing technology dissemination, providing financial support or access to credit for farmers, promoting sustainable food security practices, sustaining and expanding the InnovAfrica Project, and conducting regular monitoring and evaluation.
Keywords: Socioeconomic, Disseminated Technologies, Development Projects, Daily Farming, Low Rainfall-Pron
Influence of Stakeholders Participation on the Performance of Agriculture Projects in Rwanda: A Case of PSDAG Project at Sarura Commodities Ltd
No full textParticipation of stakeholders has been respected as a decisive component of programming since 1970s. The study was undertaken to establish how stake holder’s participation influences the performance of agricultural projects SARURA Commodities Ltd. The research was guided by three objectives; to establish the influence of stakeholder participation in project identification on the performance of agricultural project in Sarura Commodities Ltd; determine the influence of stakeholder participation in project execution on performance of agricultural project in Sarura Commodities Ltd; and, examine the influence of stakeholder participation in project funding on performance of agricultural project in Sarura Commodities Ltd. This study employs a descriptive survey research design, targeting project stakeholders, including donors, the implementing agency, and beneficiaries (n=115). A census method is used for sample selection. Data is collected through questionnaires, with a focus on demographic information and project-related inquiries. Thematic and descriptive analyses are applied for qualitative and quantitative data, respectively. Ethical considerations encompass informed consent, participant rights, and anonymity preservation. The study assessed the impact of project identification, execution, and funding on the performance of agricultural projects in Sarura Commodities Ltd, Rwanda. Results indicate high agreement among respondents on project identification (Mean=4.4298), execution (Mean=4.530), and funding (Mean=4.710). Correlation analysis reveals a positive and significant (ranging from 0.721 to 0.860) relationship between stakeholder participation and project outcomes. Regression models demonstrate that stakeholder participation significantly influences timely completion (R²=89.0%), completion within budget (R²=72.1%), and quality specification (R²=86.0%). These findings highlight the crucial role of effective project management and stakeholder engagement in enhancing the success of agricultural projects in the context of Sarura Commodities Ltd. In conclusion, the study reveals that project identification, execution, and funding significantly impact the performance of agricultural projects in Sarura Commodities Ltd, Rwanda. The high mean scores indicate the substantial influence of each factor. Recommendations include enhancing stakeholder skills in funding, promoting flexible working systems for donor collaboration, and dispelling misconceptions about the time and cost associated with project funding. These measures can optimize project outcomes and stakeholder engagement in agricultural initiatives.
Keywords: Stakeholders Participation, Performance of Agriculture Projects, PSDAG Project, Sarura Commodities Ltd, Rwand
Effect of Project Planning Practices on Performance of Improve Capacity for Supply of Quality in Reproductive Health Services Project in Nyamasheke District, Rwanda
No full textThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of project planning practices on project performance in Rwanda. Specifically the study determined the effect of budgeting plan on performance of Improve capacity for supply of quality in reproductive health services project in Nyamasheke District, examine the effect of communication plan on performance of Improve capacity for supply of quality in reproductive health services project in Nyamasheke District and investigate the effect of risk management plan on performance of Improve capacity for supply of quality in reproductive health services project in Nyamasheke District. This research adopted both qualitative and quantitative research design. In this study target population composed of 87 of Improve Capacity for supply of quality in reproductive health services project, SFH managerial staff, Health Centre representatives, District Health and Environmental nit Staff. The study applied the following tools of data collection; questionnaires, interview especially for the beneficiaries and documentation used to collect secondary data. Data analysis done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results demonstrate statistically significant positive correlations between different planning practices and project performance. The model Summary presented provides an overview of the regression analysis conducted on risk management plan, budget plan, communication plan and performance of Improve Capacity for Supply of Quality in Reproductive Health Services Project in Nyamasheke District. The R-value of 0.916 indicates a moderately strong correlation between the predictors and the dependent variable. The R Square value of 0.839 indicates that approximately 83.9% of the variance in the project performance can be explained by the predictors in the model. This analysis reveals that the budget plan (β=0.467, p=0.000<0.05), communication plan (β=0.361, p=0.004<0.05), risk management plan (β=0.189, p=0.003<0.05) are statistically significant in enhancing the performance of the Improve Capacity for Supply of Quality in Reproductive Health Services Project. Project teams should consistently monitor identified risks, promptly address emerging issues, and implement the predefined mitigation measures to minimize negative impacts on project performance
Digital Marketing and Sales Performance of Agribusinesses under Tanzania Horticultural Association: The Case of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Arusha, Tanzania
No full textTo be digital, one must consider more than one tool or media. As a result, no firm organization can escape using digital technology for data collecting, performance improvement, producing high-quality items, or marketing, among other things. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of digital marketing as a sales boost among small and medium-sized firms registered with TAHA in Arusha, Tanzania. The specific objectives were to determine the effectiveness of YouTube, Facebook, SMS and MMS in enhancing sales marketing performance of SMEs in Arusha, Tanzania. The study was informed by both social exchange theory and the diffusion of innovation theory. A mixed-methods research strategy was utilized in this study, which included 705 Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) members. 255 respondents and a simple random sampling procedure were used to establish the sample size. The research used primary information collected via the use of semi-structured questionnaires. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data in SPSS version 26.0. The results of the study showed that the variables YouTube, Facebook, Small Message Service, and Multiple Message Service had a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.629, which indicated that these variables were able to explain 62.9% of the sales marketing performance of SMEs in Arusha, Tanzania. In particular, the study found a positive and significant correlation between YouTube effectiveness and sales performance (β=0.184, p=0.020); a positive but not statistically significant correlation between Facebook and sales marketing performance (β =0.047, p=0.597); a positive and significant correlation between SMS and sales marketing performance (β=0.442, p=0.000); and a positive and significant correlation between MMS and sales performance. The research comes to the overall conclusion that digital marketing is an effective strategy for facilitating access to company information, particularly for individuals working with agribusinesses. The study thus recommends that there is a need of trying to streamline the usage of MMS and Facebook since it was seen to be insignificantly used even if it is very strong tool for advertisement.
Keywords: Digital Marketing, Agribusinesses in Tanzania, Sales Performance, Horticultural Association, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Arusha
The Relationship between Relationship Marketing and Brand Loyalty in Mobile Telecom Service Providers: Case of Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textRelationship marketing remains a major predictor of brand loyalty in the telecommunication industry. Regardless of this, mobile telecommunication firms in Kenya are yet to achieve required brand loyalty levels. This is evident given high levels of switching freedom and churn rate levels which rose from 21.20% to 31.45% in Safaricom, while in Airtel, this rose from 4.9% to 6.0% in 2021. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of relationship marketing on brand loyalty in mobile telecommunication service providers in Kenya. The study was hinged relationship marketing theory and descriptive research design. Target population was 124,849 subscribers drawn from four telecoms; Safaricom, Airtel, Telecom and Equitel. Stratified sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of 443 respondents. The primary data for the study was collected using a closed ended survey instrument. The study adopted Cronbach’s metrics of alpha to determine the internal consistency of the instrument while its validity was assessed by supervisors. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Correlation and Regression). The findings indicated that there is a positive and significant relationship between relationship marketing and brand loyalty, where relationship marketing explained 60.1% of the variance in mobile telecommunication service providers brand loyalty. The study concludes that relationship marketing has a significant effect on brand loyalty. The telecos management should put more effort on human interactions and activities, enhanced Collaborative Perspective, aligned and empowerment employee and value co-creation behaviors in order to advance relationship marketing
Keywords: Relationship Marketing, Brand Loyalt
Efficacy of Fiscal Policy in Stimulating Economic Growth During Recession in China
No full textFiscal policy involves decisions related to government expenditures on public goods and services, as well as the collection of revenue through taxes and other sources. The government can use fiscal policies to adjust its spending and taxation levels to stimulate or restrain economic activity, influence consumer and business behavior, and achieve desired macroeconomic outcomes. A recession is characterized by a contraction in output, income, employment, and trade, usually accompanied by a general decline in business activity and a decline in consumer spending. During recessions, when economic activity declines, policymakers often turn to fiscal policy as a tool to boost aggregate demand, create jobs, and promote recovery. The study noted that China has experienced various economic downturns and has implemented fiscal policies to address them. Like during the global financial crisis in 2008-2009, China implemented a massive fiscal stimulus package to counter the economic downturn. Structural reforms, such as improving market competition, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing the business environment, can amplify the impact of fiscal policy measures. Combining fiscal policy with structural reforms had a more significant effect on stimulating economic growth in China. In conclusion, timely and targeted fiscal interventions can have a positive impact on economic growth during recessions. Large-scale infrastructure projects, when implemented efficiently, have the potential to boost employment, drive domestic demand, and contribute to long-term economic development. The study recommended that policymakers should carefully identify and target sectors with high multiplier effects, such as infrastructure, innovation, and technology, to maximize the impact on economic growth. To maintain long-term fiscal sustainability, China should carefully manage public debt levels and ensure responsible fiscal practices. Continuous evaluation and monitoring of fiscal policy measures are essential to assess their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
Keywords: Fiscal Policy, Economic Growth, Recession, Chin
Quick Ratio and Financial Performance of Agricultural Firms Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
No full textThe study was informed by the continuous decline in financial performance of the Agricultural firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya. The study emanates from the Doctoral dissertation of the first author in which the co-authors served as supervisors. A census approach was adopted where secondary data from audited annual financial reports of all the six Agricultural firms listed at the Nairobi Securities exchange, Kenya was used, covering the period 2015 to 2022. Descriptive analysis and panel regression analysis were applied. Based on the outcome of the panel regression analysis, the study established that quick ratio has significant effect on financial performance of the Agricultural firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya. The study established that quick ratio has significant effect on financial performance of the Agricultural firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya. The study further recommends that holding of quick assets should be done with caution by firms. Holding of quick assets should be done in view of underlying short-term liabilities since excessive levels lead to declining financial performance.
Keywords: Quick Ratio, Financial Performance, Trade-Off Theory and Dividend Signaling Theor
Influence of Continuous Professional Development for Secondary School Teachers on Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Rwanda. A Case of Karongi District
No full textContribution of Continuous Professional Development for Secondary School Teachers on Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Rwanda: A Case Study of Karongi District. The specific research objectives include; to evaluate the skills, level of academic performance and the contribution of CPD for secondary school teachers on academic performance in public secondary schools in Karongi district, Rwanda. The study used a descriptive survey design for the first and second research questions, and a correlational research design for the third research question. Questionnaires and guided interviews were used as data collection instruments. The population of this study was 2,800 people, including head teachers, head teachers in charge of studies, and teachers. The sample size was obtained using Slovin's formula, and was 400 respondents, involving 15 head teachers, 15 head teachers in charge of studies, and 370 teachers in public secondary schools that teach ordinary level in Karongi district. The first finding indicated that secondary school teachers in Karongi district gain skills from CPD. In average, respondents agreed that CPD helps to increase skills. The second finding indicated that the level of learner performance has changed and improved within the current years. In average, respondents agreed that the level of academic performance has increased. The third finding indicated that there is a significant high degree of correlation between focusing on CPD for secondary school teachers and learner academic performance, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.498 and an R Square of 0.248. This indicates that CPD for teachers improves student academic performance. Based on the findings the study recommended that; the Ministry of Education and REB should set effective policies and provide enough time for CPD in schools.
Keywords: Continuous Professional Development, Secondary School Teachers, Academic Performance, Public Secondary Schools, Karongi District
 
Contribution of School Feeding Program on Learners’ Academic Performance in Public Primary Schools in Rwanda
No full textSchool feeding program plays a significant role in the promotion of students, teachers and school performance. The purpose of this study therefore was to ascertain the contribution of school feeding program on students’ academic performance in primary schools of Rwamagana District in Rwanda. The target population was 3302 respondents that provided the sample size of 357 respondents got using Yamane formula. Interview guide, questionnaire and document analysis review were used as data collection instruments. Descriptive survey design was employed. The findings revealed that in primary schools of Rwamagana, there is a program of school feeding although food served to the learners is not enough. In the primary schools of Rwamagana District, there is the program of school feeding. In these schools there are the variations of food served to the learners and the quantity of food served to each learner depends on their level. The learners are given balanced diet which is delicious. The food is not enough and there is not safe drinking water for learners. Despite all measures taken by the government of Rwanda toward education, in primary schools of Rwamagana District, there is poor academic performance. Nevertheless, there is a positive correlation between school feeding program and attendance of the learners as it was agreed by 243(68.1%). School feeding also is a catalyst to academic performance. The learners who take food at school perform better than the learner who does not take food at school. School feeding program is a powerful and integrated way to encourage children to attend school, to support their learning and to prepare them for success. So, school feeding play a tangible role to academic performance. The study recommended that the government with all education stakeholders should build dining room for students so that they have to take food without any challenge. Policy makers and planners should also spread safe water to the schools which haven’t water and to the other schools which have insufficient water in order to help learner to have safe water for drinking and to have water needed in cleaning and cooking.
Keywords: Academic performance, School feeding and public primary schoo