COMPREHENSIVENESS OF PROJECT PLANNING AND PERFORMANCE OF AGRICULTURAL AND LIVESTOCK PROJECTS AMONG NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN KENYA

Author: Pauline Kalondu Mwaluko

ABSTRACT

This study examined the impact of the comprehensiveness of project planning, specifically in terms of risk, scope, time, and financial planning, on the performance of agricultural and livestock projects among NGOs in Kenya. The study employed Program Theory, Contingency Theory, and the Resource-Based View Theory, using a descriptive cross-sectional research design to examine 45 NGO-managed projects within the agricultural and livestock sectors. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 40 projects was determined, and stratified random sampling was applied to ensure fair representation across agricultural-only, livestock-only, and mixed projects. Structured questionnaires were used to gather information from 34 project managers and field coordinators. Reliability tests produced Cronbach’s Alpha values exceeding 0.7, thereby validating internal consistency. Data were gathered ethically, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and institutional approval, and were subsequently analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and multiple regression in SPSS. The results showed that there were strong, positive, and statistically significant correlations between all planning dimensions and project performance (r = 0.765 for risk planning, 0.686 for scope, 0.645 for time, and 0.606 for financial planning). The regression model was significant (F = 15.390, p < 0.001), showing that risk, scope, time, and financial planning account for 68% of the differences in project performance (R² = 0.680). Regression analysis indicates that among the predictors, only risk planning exhibited a statistically significant effect (β = 0.311, p = 0.007), underscoring its pivotal role in project performance. The research indicates that thorough project planning improves performance; however, risk management emerges as the paramount factor for attaining successful results in unpredictable operational environments. It recommends that NGOs make risk registers, ongoing staff training, coordinated planning across dimensions, and strong monitoring systems a part of their normal operations. Additional research may investigate the reasons behind the weaker, statistically insignificant effects of time, scope, and financial planning, as well as strategies to enhance their impact on project performance.

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