Influence of Community Development Trust Fund Programme on Implementation of Community Environmental Facility Projects in Migori County, Kenya

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in developing countries rely heavily on foreign donor funding and potential over-reliance on donors becomes apparent. The issue of the governance and accountability of environmental non-government organizations (ENGOs) is gaining in prominence in academic and public discourse. Ideally each sector of society should be characterized by a distinct accountability regime, but faced with calls for greater accountability there is a risk that ENGOs might apply accountability regimes uncritically from the business or private sector. This could undermine the independent change-agent role of ENGOs and therefore weaken aspects of the democratic system. The main objective of the study was to establish the influence of community development trust fund programme on implementation of environmental projects. This study was guided by the following specific objectives; to establish how community development trust fund programme influence socio- cultural status of beneficiaries on implementation of environmental projects. To determine how community development trust fund programme influence the socio- economic status of beneficiaries on implementation of environmental projects. To examine how community development trust fund programme influence empowerment of Primary Stakeholders on implementation of environmental projects. To assess how community development trust fund programme influence sustainable livelihoods on implementation of environmental projects. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Descriptive Surveys are suitable in gathering data whose intention is to describe the nature of the existing condition. The study used purposive sampling method. Data collection was from two main sources; primary and secondary. In using Primary sources, data was collected from selected respondents using Focused Group Discussions guides, Key Informant Interview Guides, Observation list and Household Questionnaires. Secondary sources included relevant documents and reports. Qualitative data from FGD and KII was analyzed according to the emerging themes and sub themes this was through selection of similar statements hence qualitative findings were synchronized with quantitative findings. Quantitative data was coded to be entered into database and analyzed through descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages, mean, and range) was used to describe the population. This was presented in textual form and tables. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 computer software was used for analysis of quantitative data. Chi-square tests enabled the researcher to compare observed and expected frequencies objectively. Results of the data analysis was presented using frequency distribution tables. The main findings showed that most (50%) of the projects in the County were established as “Self-help Groups†followed by 35% established as “Women Groups. These findings show that most of the projects are started out of a mutual help or aid spirit by the focus groups in Migori County. Women in Migori County are at the forefront in the formation and implementation of community environmental facility projects compared to men. The research study concludes that majority of the community members participated in the decision-making process especially at the development stage, which is the most critical stage in project design and implementation. The study therefore, recommends that women and youth be fully involved in development projects through effective and efficient participation and monitoring of the initiated programs in their communities