Rucyahana Andrew – BPN (Rwanda)

Nkundabanzi Pacifique – University of Kigali, Rwanda

Abstract: This literature-based paper examines how African community-based projects continue to face persistent challenges related to resource shortages, inefficient allocation, and weak monitoring systems, which limit their contribution to local development. In recent years, emerging technologies have provided new opportunities for improving resource optimization and strengthening project performance. This study focuses on three practical and widely used technologies: mobile data collectiontools, mobile money and digital payment systems, and artificial intelligence, and analyzes their implications for enhancing efficiency, accountability, and decision-making in community-based initiatives. Mobile data collection tools such as KoboToolbox and ODK enable real-time and accurate field reporting, thereby reducing delays, operational costs, and data errors. Mobile money platforms, including MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, and M-Pesa, enhance financial transparency by minimizing cash handling, improving payment tracking, and accelerating fund disbursement to beneficiaries and field staff. Artificial intelligence, though still emerging in grassroots settings, contributes through accessible applications such as chatbots for communication, predictive analytics for planning, and automated monitoring systems that support timely decision-making. The paper argues that these technologies collectively strengthen resource planning, allocation, and utilization, leading to improved project outcomes. It concludes that integrating user-friendly technologies into African community-based projects is both feasible and essential for promoting sustainable development and enhancing technology-informed project management across the continent.

Abstract: With the rapid increasing population, Kenya is faced with a critical challenge of food production, unemployment and poverty. In recent years, the country has implemented agricultural development programmes especially those led by women through government and donor funding. However, for different reasons these women-led development projects have produced mixed outcomes. This study, therefore, sought to assess the effect of relationship building strategy on the sustainability of women-led development projects in Uasin Gishu County. The study was anchored on Social Network theory. The study applied descriptive research design. The target population was 386 women led enterprises registered with Ministry of trade in Uasin Gishu County and are implementing agricultural projects from Kesses and Turbo sub-counties. Using Krejcie & Morgan (1970) table of sample determination, the research recruited 412 respondents spread across the two sub-counties. Proportionate sampling helped the researcher to research 226 respondents in Kesses sub-county and 186 respondents in Turbo Sub- County respectively. Simple random sampling technique was used to interview the 412 respondents in the two sub-counties. Data was analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics and presented in form of mode, mean, standard deviation and correlation since there are more than two variables. Whereas inferential statistics was done by testing linearity and normality regression. Based on the findings of this study, the study concluded that the network building and recruitment of donors influenced sustainability of women-led development projects. Network building and recruitment of donors enhanced sustainability of women led project. The study recommended that relationship building strategy with network building and recruitment of donors should be used to enhance sustainability of women led project.

Abstract: Globally, women development projects have played a significant role, especially in developing nations. However, for different reasons these women-led development projects have produced mixed outcomes. This study, therefore, sought to examine how organizational management strategy influences sustainability of women-led development projects in Uasin Gishu County. The study was anchored on social network theory. The study applied descriptive research design. The target population was 386 women led enterprises registered with Ministry of trade in Uasin Gishu County and are implementing agricultural projects from Kesses and Turbo sub-counties. The unit of analysis was top three officials of the women-led enterprises. They included the chairperson, secretary and treasurer. Using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table of sample determination, the research recruited 412 respondents spread across the two sub-counties. Proportionate sampling helped the researcher to reach 226 respondents in Kesses sub-county and 186 respondent Turbo Sub- Countyounty respectively. Simple random sampling technique was used to interview the 412 respondents in the two sub-counties. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in form of mode, mean, standard deviation and correlation since there are more than two variables. Whereas inferential statistics was done by testing linearity and normality regression. From the findings of the study, the researcher concluded that Organizational Management Strategies influenced sustainability strategy. The study recommends that leaders should avoid challenging goals and targets as organizational management strategies to influence sustainability.

Received November 15, 2018; Revised February 15, 2019; Accepted February 26, 2019

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to assess the effect of water and sanitation services by the projects on welfare of the people. The study was carried out in Ngoma District which is located within the eastern province of Rwanda. This study employed cross-sectional survey design. The target population was 336,928 and the sample size computed using Solven’s formula as n=N÷ (1+Ne2 ) so the sample size was 400. The data collection tools were questionnaires and interviews. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson Correlation and Regression. The study discovered that 28.2% of the answerers agreed that the interventions of water and sanitation projects’ services were fairly satisfactory. Furthermore, the study revealed that 43.2% of the hedgers agreed that people’s welfare was satisfactory. The study found a significant but weak effect of water and sanitation projects’ services on people’s welfare by 0.8%. The study concluded that water and sanitation projects’ services have a weak effect on people’s welfare by 0.8% (R2=0.008, p<0.01).The study made the recommendations like need for the government with the support of the local leaders to identify the most affected villages and construct protected springs and boreholes for them; need for non-governmental organizations and well-wishers to educate the people about having latrines and rubbish bins in their respective homes