The Effect of Stakeholders’ Engagement on Project Performance in The Case of Sasakawa Africa Association Core Project
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2024-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Stakeholder engagement is widely recognized as crucial for successful project performance, but it is still necessary to understand its specific impact on the performance of agricultural development projects such as the Sasakawa Africa Association's core projects. There is limited empirical evidence and research conducted within the context of agricultural development projects in Ethiopia particularly focusing on smallholder farmers. Therefore, this research is designed to understand the effect of stakeholder engagement on project performance in the case of SAA Core projects. The study employed an explanatory research design and quantitative research approach. A closed-ended five-point Likert scale questionnaire was used for data collection and the data was collected from 33 individuals working on the core project. The collected data was statistically analyzed using SPSS version 29, which produced descriptive and deductive statistical outputs. The study had two sets of variables, the independent variables were Stakeholder identification and communication encompasses stakeholder identification and analysis, Information Disclosure, and Reporting to stakeholders. The second independent variable is Stakeholder Involvement in Project life which involves stakeholder consultation, grievance management, negotiation and partnership, and stakeholder involvement in project monitoring. The third independent variable is the Integration of stakeholder engagement in management function and project performance as the dependent variable. The findings show a significant and positive relationship between project performance and all project stakeholder engagement variables. Based on the results, to further enhance project performance, the study recommends that SAA adopt tailored stakeholder identification and communication strategies, prioritize collaborative stakeholder engagement across the agricultural sector and local communities, integrate stakeholder inputs into planning and decision-making processes, and invest in capacity building for project staff in stakeholder management and relationship building.
Key Words: Stakeholder Identification and Analysis, Information Disclosure, Reporting to Stakeholders, Stakeholder Consultation, Grievance Management, Negotiation and Partnership, Stakeholder Involvement in Project Monitoring, Management Function and Project Performance