Objective: The study objective was “to assess how Community Capacity Building Influences Sustainability of dairy goat projects in Meru County, Kenya”. Community Capacity Building was a design constituent of a Community Based Project implemented in Meru County, Kenya between 1996-2004.
Theoretical Framework: The Human Capital Theory and the Empowerment Theory emphasis the need for people or communities to be equipped with pertinent knowledge and capacities to increase performance and enable them to participate in development activities and take charge of their own development.
Method: A mixed method approach was adopted. Descriptive survey and correlational research design were adopted while stratified random sampling, multi-stage and purposive sampling methods were used in order to generate the sample size of 288 respondents. Data was collected from 285 respondents interviewed using questionnaires, a Focus Group Discussion guide and a Key Informant Interview guide.
Results and Discussion: Correlation Results show a strong positive relationship (r=0.751, P<0.05,) between Community Capacity building and Sustainability of Dairy Goat Projects. Regression analysis results (R2 =0.564, β=0.725, t=18.703, P<0.05) also indicate that Community Capacity Building had significant influence on the Sustainability of Dairy Goat Projects in Meru County.
Research Implications: Community Capacity Building plays a fundamental role in Sustainablity of Community Based Projects and should be embedded in the Project design and implemented right from project initiation to completion.
Originality/Value: The study statistically confirms the contribution of Community Capacity Building in the design of Sustainable Community Based Projects hence providing practical insights to Project designers implementing Community Based Projects.