Do Actors Interest Count in Planning Community Based Projects? Evidence from Community Based Water Projects in Central Tanzania

Abstract

Community based projects are necessary tools of channeling development to communities. The aim of using community development projects as a development vehicle rests in the assumption of brining power back to the community and enhancing sustainability. In designing, planning and implementing projects, various actors are involved. Presumably different actors have varied interests in projects. Nevertheless, empirical evidence of actors’ interests in planning and managing community based projects is missing. This study uses cases of water projects to expound actors’ interests in community based water projects. The study was conducted in Central Tanzania singling out two regions namely Dodoma and Singida. A cross sectional design was adopted for the study purposes. A total of 30 Community based water projects were surveyed and 390 water users were randomly sampled for household survey. Multiple methods of data collection were used ranging from household survey, Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews. The study found that three categories of actors exists in the study area, these actors do participate in projects cycle with varied interests. Evidence suggests interest the influence of interest in project sustainability. The study recommends a holistic approach of planning incorporating actors’ interest at different stages of project life cycle.

Keywords: Actors, community based water projects, interests and planning, project cycle