Monitoring and evaluation practices and sustainability of agribusiness projects in Kenya.

Monitoring and evaluation has been identified as a relevant practice for project success. However, the effects of project monitoring and evaluation on project sustainability remains unknown. The study sought to establish the effects of monitoring and evaluation practices on the sustainability of Kenya Agricultural Productivity and Agribusiness Projects in selected counties in Kenya. The inquiry adopted a pragmatism research paradigm with descriptive and explanatory research designs. The population comprised of 6,401 projects implemented between years 2012 to 2015. A sample of 376 respondents was selected through multistage random sampling methods. Data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire where responses were expressed on a five point on Likert scale. The reliability of the research tool was tested through Cronbach alpha coefficient at 0.7 threshold. A linear regression model was applied to test the hypothesis. The analysis was done at 95% confidence level and used as a basis for making conclusions. From the findings, the popular monitoring and evaluation practices were identified to be; field visits, data collection, periodic reports, inspection, data collection, dissemination of reports and interviews. Secondly, Monitoring and evaluation had significant positive effect on project sustainability(t=3.444,p >0.05). The study recommends for strengthening of monitoring and evaluation practices for sustainability of agricultural projects in Kenya in line with Kenya’s Vision 20230 while enhancing the achievement of SDG 2 (Zero hunger) which will suppress rural poverty highly dependable on agriculture thus meeting the Economic Pillar of Vision 20230. This call for Ministry of Agriculture to develop a policy that will ensure that all donor funded agricultural projects include M&E and that a precursor training be conducted to all parties to ensure sustainability for food security all through the year.