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Author
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Chivanga, Munashe
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Title
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Sustainability of Donor-Funded Community Empowerment Projects for HIV infected women. A case of Ward 10 of Mazowe District, Zimbabwe.
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Abstract
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In the wake of HIV/AIDS epidemic, donor-funded community empowerment projects have proliferated as a strategic response to mitigate the socio-economic impacts on affected communities, particularly women. However, the sustainability of these projects remains a pressing concern. This dissertation investigates the sustainability of donor-funded community empowerment projects for HIV-infected women in Mazowe District, Zimbabwe, using a mixed-methods approach. A concurrent triangulation design was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. The study’s conceptual framework drew on the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach. The research employed the descriptive research design and the explanatory research design. For sampling purposes, the researcher used the convenience and stratified sampling techniques. Through the use of questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and surveys as research instruments, the study managed to gather a reliable set of primary data which was presented and analyzed using thematic data analysis methods and SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) to draw conclusions on the sustainability of donor-funded community empowerment projects. Findings indicate that while donor-funded community empowerment projects have positively impacted the economic, social and health outcomes of HIV-infected women, their sustainability is compromised by inadequate capacity building, limited financial resources , and insufficient community ownership. Moreover, the study reveals that project beneficiaries’ empowerment is hindered by patriarchal norms, gender-based violence and stigma. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the critical factors influencing the sustainability of donor-funded community empowerment projects. The study’s recommendations, informed by the findings, emphasize the need for donor organizations and funding agencies to prioritize capacity building, community ownership, and financial sustainability in their funding strategies. Additionally, the study advocates for a gender-sensitive approach to address the socio-cultural barriers hindering the empowerment of HIV-infected women.
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Date
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April 2024
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Ward 10 of Mazowe District, Donor-Funded Community Empowerment, HIV infections
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Supervisor
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Dr R Maponga
