AN EXPLORATION OF STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT IN CIMMYT-FUNDED

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN MUTOKO DISTRICT,

ZIMBABWE

Research Findings and Summary

1.1.1 Community members’ views on effectiveness of stakeholder engagement in
community development projects
An interval scoring system was developed to rank the views of respondents on stakeholder’s

participation in the project as high, medium, and low. On a five-point Likert scale, the

interval length is determined by taking the highest value minus the lowest value and dividing

it by the total number of intervals. Low level effectiveness varies from 1 to 2.33, medium

level effectiveness function goes from 2.34 to 3.67, and high level effectiveness function

ranges from 3.68 to 5 according to this formula. Results for four statements are shown in

Table 4.2 below.

Table 4.1: Mutoko Community respondents on Stakeholder participation influence

n = 92
Variables Mean Std. Deviation
Community is not involved in sharing of benefits 3.48 1.002
of donor funded water project
Community was involved in financial transactions 2.52 0.078
of projects
The implementation team involved 2.31 0.99
community/group members in Project
identification/Conceptualization
Community was involved in Project 1.91 1.320
implementation through cost sharing
Average 2.56 0.8475
Source: Research survey (2020)

As shown in Table 4.2 above, the highest mean score is 3.48 which shows that the

respondents viewed community members’ participation as having a medium influence in the

sharing of benefits of donor funded water project. The lowest mean score is 1.91 which

shows that community members had a low-level influence in project implementation as

measured through cost sharing. The average ranking is 2.56 which reveals a medium level of

community participation and influence on the CIMMYT projects design and implementation

in Mutoko District. This finding suggests that, generally, the community members have

limited participation and influence on the CIMMYT projects in the district. As Nyaguthii and

Oyugi (2018) argue, limited community participation in community-based development

projects, through contribution of ideas at project conceptualization, resources sharing or other

relevant strategies, tends to reduce sense of ownership among the community members for

attainment of desired outcomes. From the interviews conducted in this study, it emerged that

the community participation involves some limited knowledge and skills transfer. This

situation is expected to help the communities in the district with continuity or sustainability

capacity beyond the donor’s support, a concept also known as apprenticeship at CIMMYT.

The limited participation in the projects and the resultant adverse effects are emphasized in

the quotations given below from two of the interview participants.

Even through the projects have been completed, I would regard them as failure. For
instance, the boreholes installed in Wards 13 and 16 are continuously breaking down. This is
despite having maintenance team in place, but it appears they are not properly trained.”
(Respondent K). Another interview participant buttressed the above statement and reported
that:

The soil conservation project carried out in 2018 in which the community was
trained on how to conserve soil. As of today, instead of the community benefiting and
practising the methods taught, it’s now the opposite. Community members are now
planting in riverbeds, mountains, and sandy areas. Personally, would deem the
project as failure, because the community is not practicing what it was taught.”

The quotations above suggest three interrelated aspects. Firstly, the CIMMYT community

capacity development is either not effective or not relevant to the communities. Secondly,

there is a limited sense of ownership among the community members on the CIMMYT
projects which has resulted in compromised project outcomes. Thirdly, those who mastered

the concepts in the various trainings may have adequate resources to apply what they learned.

The findings indicate that most Mutoko Community participants were not involved in the

project’s identification by CIMMYT. As O’Halloran and Menoka, 2014 argue many studies

suggest undertaking stakeholder management processes in accordance with a standardized

methodology and scholars strongly advocate the central role of stakeholder involvement in

delivering successful projects. Furthermore, the findings resonate with Chizimba (2018) who

postulates that if community stakeholders’ participation is overlooked, it is highly likely that

the project fails to achieve its intended outcomes.

1.2 Challenges CIMMYT face in the implementation of stakeholder engagement

CIMMYT used a Likert scale to assess the obstacles it experienced in implementing

stakeholder engagement. The difficulties were analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as

Mean and Standard deviation.

Table 4.2: Descriptive Statistics

Descriptive Statistics
N Mean Std. Deviation
Limited feedback utilized 80 2.03 1.029
Limited of participatory 66 1.92 1.220
community
Improper dissemination 80 1.85 0.989
information

As shown in Table 4.3 above, the challenges were limited feedback utilization from the

beneficiaries (Mean = 2.03 ± SD 1.029), limited of community participatory approaches

(Mean = 1.92 ± SD 1.220) and improper dissemination of information (Mean = 1.85; SD

0.989). The findings are corroborated by the interviews conducted where it emerged that the

key informants believed that limited participation by the community members in the projects
is one of the challenges being experienced. This notion was emphasized by one of the

interview participants as shown in the quotation below who indicated that:

…The community of Mutoko did not want to attend the project meetings called by
CIMMYT and project committees. They will always come up with excuses such as we
need to attend to other income generating activities (KI_03)

As can be seen in the quotation above, CIMMYT valued and practised stakeholder

engagement but the beneficiaries had limited appreciation of it. Thematic frequency analysis

of interview data shown in Table 4.4 below further corroborate the challenges that were

revealed in the descriptive statistics in the preceding discussion.

Table 4.3: Thematic Analysis on the challenges

n = 12

Challenges CIMMYT face in the Key Informants who Total number of

implementation of stakeholder mentioned the same mentions
engagement

Limited community participation KI01, KI04, KI03, KI09, 6

KI10, KI11

Limited information dissemination KI03, KI04, KI08, K109, 5

KI10

Lack of incentives KI01, KI04, KI03 3

Cultural beliefs (Societal norms, values, KI02, KI04 2

and beliefs)

From the findings in Table 4.4 above it emerged that limited community participation and

poor information dissemination were the major challenges CIMMYT faced in the

implementation of stakeholder engagement-based community development projects.

Failure to attend was also attributed to lack of involvement in the early stages of the
projects…the project meetings always coincided with the winter period when they
were tilling the fields. (KI_09)
If we take a closer look at the passage above, we can see two important points. Community

participation was not designed to be comprehensive, in that community people were not

included from the beginning, but rather in phases throughout the project. Deuxièmement, the

meetings were often scheduled at a time that was not suitable for the community since it

ignored other obligations in the community The findings of the text search analysis, as shown

in Figure 4, corroborated this conclusion.

Figure 4.1: Word tree text search

As Figure 4.4 above shows, the issues that emerged which limited stakeholder engagement in

the communities included cultural, conflicts and patriarchy. From these revelations, there are

endogenous socio-cultural factors that inhibit community engagement in community-based

development projects in Mutoko District. This finding is buttressed by the concept of ‘lack’

which came out from the interviews conducted as shown in Figure 4.5 below.

Figure 4.2: Word tree text search

As evident in Figure 4.5 above, the concept of ‘lack’ was mentioned within the context vital

project implementation processes like lack of consultations, lack of early involvement in the

project conceptualization and design. In addition, it is also seen that limited attendance to

meetings was attributed to lack of community consultation by project leaders. The quotation

below from one of the key informants sheds more light on this finding.
Quotations from the KI`s presented below clearly

The CIMMYT project has been affected by cultural issues. The site that was chosen,
cultural issues were supposed to be fully addressed because the use of technology
solutions to power the water generation was met with resistance. The issue being
maintenance of the technology system in a rural setup like Mutoko District (KI_11)

community labour contribution needed to be paid in the form of food hampers. Food
for work concept. The community complained that the food hamper was small relative
to the job performed. (KI_05)

The quotation above clearly illustrates how the socio-cultural aspect adversely affect the

implementation of stakeholder engagement in the Mutoko District communities studied.

Recently, it has been observed that community involvement methods, particularly the

bottom-up strategy that involves extensive stakeholder engagement, are critical for project

success and sustainability (Bal, Bryde, Fearon, and Ochieng, 2013).

1.3 Sustainability indicators of community development projects

Sustainability refers to a project or program's capacity to continue/remain healthy even when

a funder withdraws support. Sustainable water supply includes year-round operation,

diversified water use, a steady supply of components and operating and maintenance finance

availability, to name a few. What we found is as follows:

Table 4.4: Sustainability Indicators

The group has Qualified
Water Supply There is
an Operation The group has Manpower is
Structure is continued
and diversified available for
functional spare parts
Maintenance water use any repair and
through the supply for
fund activities technical
year repairs
issues
No (%) 70.0 36 46.0 83.0 66.0
Yes (%) 30.0 64 54.0 17.0 34.0
Total 100.0 100 100.0 100.0 100.0
(%)

As indicated in Table 4.5 above, 70% of respondents said that water was not available

throughout the year, whereas 30% said that water was available all year round. As a result of
these findings, the majority of respondents in the neighborhood noted a lack of water

throughout the year.

Table 4.5 further shows the respondents view on the existence of the operational and

maintenance fund. The results indicate that 64% said no existence of such and 36% allude to

existence of the operation and maintenance fund. This shows that the majority alluded to the

non-existence of the fund which caters for operations and maintenance issues of the

CIMMYT projects. Fund availability enables resources access to cater for the project`s

operations after donor financial support withdrawal. Given the limited community

(beneficiaries’) engagement in the CIMMYT projects studied, it is quite probable that project

sustainability is compromised because limited engagement is directly linked to thin

ownership and subsequently reduced propensity for project durability after the donor’s

support ([ CITATION Pla16 \l 12297 ].

According to Table 4.5, the researcher asked respondents about their water use owing to the

CIMMYT dam projects. The chart reveals that 54 percent of respondents mentioned several

applications of the water, whereas 46 percent did not name any uses for the water.

CIMMYT's built dam project water is used in a variety of ways, according to the majority of

respondents. By utilizing water for various purposes, the dam has benefitted the community.

The water may be used to irrigate the gardens and for other income-generating initiatives.

Table 4.5 above shows the results regarding the continued supply of spare parts after donor

withdrawal. Of the respondents 83% cited no supply of spare parts and 17% cited yes. Thus,

most respondents 83% cited no continued supply of spare parts after donor`s pull-out. This

shows that for the project to continue in existence, repairs should be attended promptly.

Sustainability is also shown by transfer of skills to the community members. In this study, the

results as shown in Table 4.5 revealed that 66% cited no qualified technical personnel to
attend to repairs and 34% cited availability of qualified personnel. Hence, most respondents,

66% cited the non- availability of qualified technical personnel to attend to repairs.

The above findings on the water Supply Structure functionality throughout the year were

further corroborated by an Interviewed Respondent who mentioned that.

The projects carried out by CIMMYT have been a success as they were completed on time.
The community benefited from the water and dam construction project carried out.
(Respondent H)

While the other respondent in line with the above results also indicated that

CIMMYT projects are a success. This is due to increased economic activity of market
gardening being practised by community members. Some people now have orchards, and
plant vegetables, potatoes and tomatoes all year. (Respondent, G)

1.4 Stakeholder influence in Monitoring and Evaluation on Community

sustainable projects carried out in Mutoko District by CIMMYT
For projects sustainability, monitoring and evaluation is critical as it allows continous project

review. In order to obtain, information regards stakeholder influence on CIMMYT projects

carried out in Mutoko District, the researcher probed respondents. The aspects included

utilization of Monitoring and Evaluation feedback, the process and involvment. The results

are presented below:

1.4.1 Monitoring and Evaluation process period conducted

n = 92
 6; 7%

21; 23%
None
48; 52%
Once
Twice
More than Twice
17; 18%

Figure 4.3: Responses on CIMMYT projects Monitoring and Evaluation conducted

Source: Primary Research, 2020

Figure 4.6 shows responses on how often Monitoring and Evaluation have been done on

CIMMYT projects in the Mutoko District. Of the respondents, 52% cited no Monitoring and

Evaluation activities have been done on the current projects while 23% recorded twice during

the project, 18% cited once and 7% recorded more than twice during the project lifetime.

Thus, most respondents, 52% cited little Monitoring and Evaluation was done on the

CIMMYT projects. This shows that Monitoring and Evaluation was considered as just a

project paper trailManagers and key stakeholders are provided with frequent feedback and

early indicators of progress (or lack thereof) towards attaining targeted objectives through

monitoring
1.4.2 Monitoring and Evaluation feedback was utilized
n = 92
50% 47%
45%
40%
Responses as Percentage

35% 33%
30%
25%
20%
15% 12%
10% 7%
5% 2%
0%
Strongly Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree
Disagree

Responses

Figure 4.4: Respondents on utilization of Monitoring and Evaluation feedback

Source: Primary Research, 2020

As shown in Figure 4.7, the respondents view on utilization of Monitoring and Evaluation

feedback. Of the respondents, 47% disagreed that Monitoring and Evaluation feedback was

utilized by CIMMYT, 33% strongly disagreed as well while 12% agreed that Monitoring and

Evaluation feedback was utilized with 6% neither and 2% strongly agreeing. Therefore, most

respondents disagreed that Monitoring and Evaluation information obtained was utilised in

future projects. These findings do concur with those obtained in Figure 4.7 above in which

the majority 52% cited no periodic Monitoring and Evaluation was done on projects. These

also concur with those obtained regards stakeholder participation.

1.4.3 Monitoring and Evaluation process was satisfactory
n = 92
50%
45%
45%
40%
35%
Responses as Percentage

35%
30%
25%
20%
15% 12%
10% 7%
5% 2%
0%
Strongly Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree
Disagree

Responses

Figure 4.5: Respondents on Monitoring and Evaluation process

Source: Primary Research, 2020

Figure 4.8 shows the dissemination process regards the Monitoring and Evaluation activities.

The respondents 45% strongly disagreed that the process had an easier information

dissemination process to the community members in Mutoko District while 35% disagreed

with the process, 12% neither, 6% agreed and 2% strongly agreed that the process was very

clear. Thus, most respondents 45% strongly disagreed that the information dissemination

process was very clear with no challenges. These results could be an indication of project

problems being faced within CIMMYT. These challenges have been noted with many

international development agencies who fast-track the projects without properly following

due process.
1.4.4 Monitoring and Evaluation was fully participatory
n = 92
45% 42%
40%
35%
Responses as Percentage

30%
25%
25%
20%
15% 14%

10% 7% 7% 5%
5%
0%
Strongly Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Missing
Disagree Agree

Responses

Figure 4.6: Respondents on Monitoring and Evaluation as fully participatory

Source: Primary Research, 2020

To support the findings obtained above, as shown in Figure 4.9 respondents were probed on

the Monitoring and Evaluation as considered fully participatory or not. Of the respondents

43% strongly disagreed that the process was considered as fully participatory with 25%

agreeing to it as fully participatory, 6% cited as neither and agreeing, and 5% strongly

agreeing as fully participatory. Thus, most respondents 43% strongly disagreed as fully

participatory. These findings concur with those obtained in Figure 4.6 and 4.7According to

participative M and E, local people have knowledge and experience and can objectively

evaluate the project.

1.5 A critique of community development policies in Zimbabwe

During the FGDs and key informant interviews, the study participants were asked to critique

the community development policies introduced by the Government of Zimbabwe designed

to develop communities. The Zim-Asset is one of the policies critiqued by the study

participants. Zimbabwe recognizes and upholds the need to provide social protection to its

citizens as evidenced in Section 30 of its constitution which states that “… the state must take

all practical measures, within the bounds of the resources available thereto, to supply Social

Security and social care to those that are in need” [p.23]. The Constitution of Zimbabwe

(2013) also includes an inclusive Bill of Rights that underscores the supply of social

protection (Sections 80 to 84) additionally to the statutes, in 2013, Zimbabwe's economic

recovery plan is the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation

(Zim-Asset). In the Zim-Asset whitepaper, the need of social protection is emphasized. Zim-

strategic Asset's clusters focus on food security and nutrition, as well as social services and

poverty reduction. Similarly, according to Zimbabwe's new constitution, 60 senators are

chosen using a representation mechanism in which "male and female candidates are listed

alternately, with each list being led by a female candidate" (Constitution, 2013, Part 3, Article

120(1)). (2).

Tables 4.6 and 4.7 provide a summary of the criticism that was voiced.

1.5.1 Shortcomings of the policy

Table 4.5: Critique of community development policies from FGD and KII data
n = 12
Critique of community development Number of mentions Total number of
policies in Zimbabwe from the FGDs mentions
conducted FGD KII
Need of awareness on policies 3 3 6
Need of extensive progressive workshops, 5 0 5
trainings on community development
Engage in political reforms (laws) that 3 2 3
supports community development
The community development policies in 0 3 1
Zimbabwe are not yet aligned to the national
constitution Amendment 20

Two key themes arose from the data analysis, notably the necessity for police awareness and

extended progressive workshops trainings on community development inside the Mutoko

community, as shown in Table 4.6 above. Finally, the community development strategies

were not aligned with the national Amendment 20.

Table 4.6 shows that community development policies in Zimbabwe facilitate community
development. However, those who are

“Our community need trainings and workshops on knowing existing laws, knowing
their rights and the importance of having women in local leadership positions.”
(FGD03_R02)

In our area, we do not know of any existing quota systems, but we will appreciate if
there are any such policies. (FGD01_R02)

The findings were further supported by the Key Informants who mention that,

“…the biggest problem with donors is they want to impose what they did in other
countries to Zimbabwe. The environments are different, but they fail to consider
that ...” (KI_04)

“…the project steering committee was only interested in sitting allowances than
pursing the project objectives…. the meeting with other stakeholders were always in
conflict over simple issues. They failed to appreciate the main job was project
success…” (KI_13)

“…CIMMYT needed to develop projects which emphasizes bottom-up participatory

approach than top-down approach. Even the Monitoring and Evaluation reports
referred to that aspect…” (KI_01)

1.5.2 Strengths of the policy

Table 4.6: Critique of community development policies from key informant interviews

Critique of community development policies Key Informants Total number of

in Zimbabwe that emerged from the key who mentioned mentions
informants the same
They improve community development KI04 1

The findings from the study indicated that the critiqued community development policies,

plays a vital role in the development of the community via various ways. This was

emphasized by one of the Key Informant who was interviewed and indicated that,
 “… these policies I think they are very important and vital within our community as
we are now able to develop and engage in many various projects…Furthermore we
are now able to live in peace and harmony as a developed community…” (KI04)

The findings from the above illustrations were in contradictory with the literature from the

study by Masanyiwa and Kinyashi (2018) posits that donor policies have been viewed as

important as they influence how contracts are formed, the length of funding, and what is

funded are all factors to consider. Stakeholders have an important role in promoting

sustainability. Stakeholder involvement and support are required for sustainability to be

accomplished. Stakeholders should actively participate in project design and implementation

to influence the direction and details, since this helps to foster a sense of belonging.

Appropriate time and resources for participatory analysis, as well as responding to demand-

driven approaches, are critical strategies to promote involvement (Stiglitz, 2016). As a result,

before starting a project, funders should use demand-driven methodologies and obtain input

from stakeholders.

For instance, Plan International Kenya projects involved in WASH projects have Water Point

Executive Committees. These committees have created some sort of ownership regards the

WASH projects. This has been one of the success points of the Plan International Kenya

projects. This approach avers well with Narayan (2016) who claimed that community

participation was critical to project effectiveness. Even if spare parts and maintenance

technicians are available, systems are said to be unlikely to be sustainable without

involvement (Harvey & Reed, 2016). However, this was in contradictory as it emerged from

the findings that there was lack of policy of awareness within the Mutoko community.

1.6 Chapter summary

It was in this chapter that the study was described and presented. Information on the study

participants, response rates, data processing and presentation of the study findings in line
with the research goals are addressed in great length in this chapter of the book. The

following chapter covers the study summary, results, recommendations, and future research

ideas.