Effect of Community Involvement in Project Management Process on Project Performance: A Case of Good Shepherd Project in Nyabihu District, Rwanda

Munyakayanza Christophe – https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0409-883X

Dushimimana Jean de Dieu – https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4826-0368

University of Kigali, Rwanda

Email: munyachris2002@gmail.com

Abstract: The general objective of this research was to assess the effect of community involvement in project management process on performance of Good Shepherd Project implemented in Nyabihu District, Rwanda. The study examined the effect of project planning, project implementation, and monitoring and evaluation on performance of Good Shepherd Project. The study used Theory of Change, Social Accountability Theory and Goal Setting Theory, and employed both descriptive and correlational research designs. A census method was used to collect data from the entire population of 163 individuals involved in Good Shepherd Development Project, while 159 questionnaires were successfully filled and returned. Data collection methods included structured questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis, allowing for both quantitative and qualitative insights. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 29 to examine relationships between community involvement dimensions and project performance indicators. Regression results showed that project planning had a significant positive effect on performance (β = 0.246, t = 5.125, p = 0.000). Project implementation also had a significant positive effect on performance (β = 0.395, t = 7.054, p = 0.000), while monitoring and evaluation significantly affected performance (β = 0.260, t = 4.815, p = 0.000). Therefore, all null hypotheses were rejected. The study recommended that project managers should adopt digital feedback platforms to allow community members to report implementation issues in real time, improve problem-solving, and increase transparency in project operations.