RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FUNDING AND THE PERFORMANCE OF PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED BY COMMUNITY‑BASED ORGANIZATIONS IN MAYOM COUNTY, SOUTH SUDAN
Abstract
Purpose of the Study: The study examined the relationship between funding and the performance of projects implemented by Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in Mayom County, South Sudan. The study was guided by the Resource Based View (RBV) Theory, which explains how organizational resources can be effectively managed to enhance performance.
Statement of the Problem: CBOs in Mayom County operate in a fragile environment characterized by funding instability, insecurity, logistical challenges, and weak institutional structures. These challenges have contributed to delayed project implementation and failure to achieve intended project objectives, creating a need to establish how funding relates to project performance.
Research Methodology: The study adopted a cross sectional survey research design. The target population was 51,745 individuals comprising 3 project managers, 99 operational staff, 51,625 community beneficiaries, and 18 community leaders. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through semi structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 27, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.
Findings: The findings showed that favourable funding conditions were associated with better descriptive project outcomes, although none of the funding indicators had a statistically significant relationship with timely project completion at the 5% significance level. Projects receiving funding on time recorded 29.5% timely completion compared with 19.2% among those without timely funding. Similarly, financial flexibility was associated with 30.4% timely completion compared with 16.7% where such flexibility was absent.
Conclusion: The study concludes that funding remains an important resource for the implementation of CBO projects in Mayom County, although its relationship with timely project completion was not statistically significant. Project performance is therefore influenced by funding together with other organizational and contextual factors.
Recommendations: The study recommends that development partners and donors should provide predictable and flexible funding arrangements to enable CBOs to respond effectively to the fragile operating environment. It further recommends that CBOs should strengthen financial management, accountability, and reporting systems to enhance efficient utilization of resources and build donor confidence.
Keywords: Funding, Project performance, Community-based organizations (CBOs), Mayom County, South Sudan.
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