Factors Affecting Sustainability of Cocoa Life Project Interventions in Ghana: Views of Beneficiaries in Wassa East District

Abstract

This study interrogated the factors affecting the sustainability of project interventions implemented in the Wassa East District by World Vision Ghana (WVG) under the Cocoa Life Project in the country. Based on a mixed method research approach, a total of 406 respondents who were farmers, members of village savings and loans associations, gari processors, and soap makers were involved in the study using stratified, simple random, and convenience sampling methods. Structured interviews and focus group discussion guides were the instruments used for data collection. For the quantitative data analysis, frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation and chi-square were used whereas qualitative data obtained was analyzed thematically. The study observed that project interventions implemented in the District by WVG were generally sustainable. Factors such as local ownership, commitment of community members, teamwork, and supportive relationship between WVG team and community members aided the sustainability of the interventions. Despite the flexibility in the delivery of the project interventions, community members who benefited from the interventions had some concerns about the Project. Concerns were particularly raised with respect to the level of participation, the nature of communication, and the level of accountability and transparency which characterized the Project. We recommend that World Vision Ghana, Mondelez International, and Cocoa Life Division team up with local authorities and community members to come out with clear measures to: increase local participation, improve communication, and enhance transparency and accountability throughout the delivery of Cocoa Life Project interventions in the country.