Community planning and the sustainability of water projects in Buyanja Sub-County, Rukungiri District. A cross-sectional study.

Authors

  • Susan Twongyeirwe Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations, Bishop Stuart University. Author
  • Dr. Anthony Mpairwe Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations, Bishop Stuart University. Author
  • Dr. Benon Muhumuza Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations, Bishop Stuart University. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64792/n45enz22

Abstract

Background

The study aimed to examine the relationship between community planning and the sustainability of water projects in Buyanja Sub-County, Rukungiri District.

 Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 1,200 stakeholders involved in rural water projects in Buyanja Sub-County, Rukungiri District. A sample of 300 respondents was selected using multi-stage sampling, comprising simple random sampling for household water users and purposive sampling for key informants. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 26 through descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, correlation, and regression. Validity and reliability were assessed, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.803 to 0.966. Ethical approval was obtained.

 Results

Of the 300 targeted respondents, 210 participated, yielding a 70.0% response rate. Male respondents constituted 41.0% (n=85), while females comprised 59.0% (n=125). Community planning had a mean score of 3.5762 (SD=0.62546), with scores ranging from 2.60 to 4.80, whereas sustainability had a mean of 3.6038 (SD=0.69226), ranging from 2.40 to 4.80. Regarding categorised levels, community planning was rated high by 53.3% (n=112) and moderate by 46.7% (n=98). Sustainability was rated high by 64.3% (n=135) and moderate by 35.7% (n=75). Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a strong, positive, statistically significant relationship between community planning and sustainability (r=0.966, p<0.01). Community leadership was also strongly correlated with sustainability (r=0.986, p<0.01), while operation and maintenance showed a strong positive correlation with sustainability (r=0.965, p<0.01).

 Conclusion

Community planning significantly and positively influenced water project sustainability, with meaningful participation in decision-making essential for long-term functionality.

 Recommendation

Water projects should strengthen meaningful, inclusive community participation in planning, supported by capacity building, technical guidance, and implementation of community decisions.

Author Biographies

  • Susan Twongyeirwe, Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations, Bishop Stuart University.

    a student pursuing a Master of Arts in Public Administration and Management at Bishop Stuart University

  • Dr. Anthony Mpairwe, Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations, Bishop Stuart University.

    research supervisor at Bishop Stuart University.

  • Dr. Benon Muhumuza, Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations, Bishop Stuart University.

    research supervisor at Bishop Stuart University.

References

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Published

2026-09-15

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2026): July 2026 Issue

Section

Health and Life Sciences

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Susan Twongyeirwe, Dr. Anthony Mpairwe, Dr. Benon Muhumuza (Author)

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How to Cite

Community planning and the sustainability of water projects in Buyanja Sub-County, Rukungiri District. A cross-sectional study. (2026). East African Journal of Research and Innovation, 2(3), 12. https://doi.org/10.64792/n45enz22