EFFECT OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION ON FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF COMMUNITY CONSERVANCIES IN NORTHERN KENYA

Abstract

Financial sustainability is critical to the survival and growth of organizations all around the world. In Kenya, community conservancies face a significant financial problem to survive and flourish. This paper sought to determine the effect of community participation on financial sustainability of community conservancies in Northern Kenya. Methodology: The study was anchored on the agency theory. It adopted the explanatory research design and a cross-sectional approach. Primary data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The findings indicated that community participation had a positive and significant effect on the financial sustainability of community conservancies in Kenya. The study concluded that community participation positively contributes to enhanced financial sustainability. Recommendations: The study recommended that community conservancies’ management should strengthen aspects related to community participation. In particular, the community should be involved in decision making process. The number of community members working in the conservancies should be increased. There should be workshops to train and create awareness to community members on the importance of conservation