FACTORS INFLUENCING PERFORMANCE OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION ERADICATION PROJECTS AMONG GABRA COMMUNITY IN MARSABIT COUNTY, KENYA
Diba Sarah Gubal - Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Dr. John Mbugua - School of Open and Distance Learning, University of Nairobi, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is practiced mostly in sub Saharan Africa. An approximated number of between 100-140 million women have undergone FGM and 3 million girls yearly are perceived to be at risk globally. This study focused on identifying factors influencing the performance of female genital mutilation eradication projects among Gabra community in Bubisa location, Marsabit County. The study specifically focused on the influence of cultural beliefs, community awareness, level of income and community participation on performance of genital mutilation eradication projects. The study used the structural functionalism theory and social exchange theory as a basis. This study employed a descriptive survey design. The population of the study comprised of 327 employees including; projects managers, project officers and field officers in Marsabit County. A sample of 177 was calculated using a formula by Kothari (2004). Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were adopted. Primary data was obtained using self-administered questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics (measures of central tendency and measures of variance) and inferential statistics of correlation and regression using SPSS version 21. The specific descriptive measures used for analysis were mean, percentages, frequency distributions and standard deviation. Multiple regression analysis was used to establish the relations between the independent and dependent variables. The results were then presented using tables and graphs. The study found that marriageability, rite of passage, level of education, literacy level, level of income, project ownership and community contribution influenced performance of female genital mutilation eradication projects in Marsabit County to a great extent. The study concluded that that community participation had the greatest influence on the performance of FGM eradication projects among the Gabra community, followed by level of income, then cultural beliefs while community awareness had the least influence to the performance of FGM eradication projects among the Gabra community. The study recommends for a multi-sectoral approach for eradication of FGM through coordinated efforts from the government agencies, non-governmental organisations, community based organisations on the fight against FGM. The study also recommends that continuous anti-FGM campaigns, awareness, sensitization and education should be done that include topics and discussions on harmful effects of FGM.