Monitoring and evaluation practices on sustainability of agribusiness projects in Mt. Kenya region: a case of farmer-to-farmer program in Kirinyaga County

Abstract

This research study evaluates the sustainability of agribusiness projects in the Mt. Kenya Region, focusing on the USAID-funded Farmer to Farmer Project. It assesses monitoring and evaluation practices, project status, capacity building challenges, routine monitoring and data demand. The study aims to enhance project viability, address gaps, and overcome obstacles for long-term success. The objective of the study was establish how capacity building in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) on the sustainability of agribusiness projects, identify the influence of Routine Program Monitoring on sustainability, and examine how data demand and utilization in M&E affect the sustainability of agribusiness projects. The study employs the theoretical framework of sustainable development to integrate economic, social, and environmental factors into monitoring and evaluation practices of agribusiness projects, aiming for long-term sustainability in the Mt. Kenya region. Descriptive survey research design and correlation research design were adapted. Target population was 900 people and a sample size of 277, which is determined by the use of Krechjie and Morgan Table of 1970. While interviews were utilized in collecting qualitative data, structured questionnaires were used to collect numerical. The instruments were deemed reliable when Cronbach’s α was greater than 0.7. Nvivo software 12 Plus was the preferred method of analyzing narrative data from interviews. By use of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25, numerical data from questionnaires generated descriptive statistics namely: mean, frequency, standard deviation and percentages. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to establish the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Regression analysis was utilized to test the fitness of the model in predicting the Sustainability of agribusiness projects in Mt. Kenya region. F statistical test was used in testing hypothesis at 95% confidence interval. The strength of the relationship between monitoring and evaluation practices and Sustainability of agribusiness projects in Mt. Kenya region decreased in the following order: Capacity Building in M&E (r=0.115), Routine Program Monitoring (r=0.117) and data usage (r=0.131). The model predicted 94% in the variation of Sustainability of agribusiness projects in Mt. Kenya region. The overall conclusion was that monitoring and evaluation practices (capacity building in M&E, Routine Program Monitoring and data usage) have significant influence on Sustainability of agribusiness projects in Mt. Kenya region. Government is recommended to create policies that can promote training of farmers, enhance quality and Sustainability of agribusiness projects in Mt. Kenya region. Further studies can be done to test the moderation of monitoring and evaluation systems.