Assessment of Strategy Implementation on the Performance of Climate Change Adaptation Projects in Marsabit and Isiolo Counties, Kenya
Abstract
Strategic management practices influence the effectiveness of organizations’ strategic
initiatives. Due to the increase in climatic change over the years, the government, Non
Governmental Organizations, and other actors have been strategizing on ways and means of
managing climate change, including implementation of climate change adaptation projects
countrywide. Despite all these interventions, there has been little success of the intended
goals. The country is still ravaging from the negative impacts of climate change. The
purpose of this study was to assess strategy implementation on the performance of climate
change adaptation projects in Kenya and this formed the general objective of this study. The
study adopted mixed research design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
Both descriptive and analytical methods were applied for the quantitative approach. The
study was anchored on Institutional Theory, Resource Based View, Stakeholder Theory,
Path Dependency Theory, Theory of Change and Theory of Constraints. The target
population was 2,021 individuals. The study used simple random sampling technique using
Slovin’s Formula to derive a sample size of 334 respondents. Data was collected using
interviews, questionnaires and observations of the project sites. Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21, and Microsoft Excel were used for data analysis.
Descriptive statistics used mean and standard deviation to describe the data characteristics.
Correlation and regression analysis were used in testing the effects of the variables on
project performance. Data was presented in graphs, charts, tables and regression models.
Findings indicated that the constructs, viz Institutional Characteristics, Resource
Management, Stakeholder Participation and Regulatory Framework were all significant and
had positive impact on the performance of climate change adaptation projects. When
moderated with Climate Change Factors and Effects, the model improved, indicating that it
influenced the effect of strategy implementation on the performance of climate change
adaptation projects. The study recommended adoption of sound institutional characteristics
such as democratic and coaching leadership style, functional project implementation
structure and use of convenient and affordable communication technology. The study
recommended effective management of resources to ensure appropriate allocation, adequacy
and resource optimization. Stakeholder involvement in decision making, building their
capacity to impart necessary knowledge and skills, and an understanding of community
culture was recommended by the study. The study recommended alignment of the projects
to required government policies, establishment of community agreements and adherence to
donor stipulations. Utilization of indigenous knowledge in project implementation and
implementation of projects that can withstand climate change effects was recommended.
Further studies on other factors of strategy implementation are recommended by this study.
In addition, Phase 1 to 3 of ASAL regions in Kennya, as categorized by IPC classification,
can be studied to establish the performance of climate change adaptation projects
implemented.
