Factors affecting the sustainability of donor-funded projects in small-scale fisheries on Mafia Island, Tanzania, with a special focus on MACEMP and WWF-JSDF programs.

Factors affecting the sustainability of donor-funded projects in small-scale fisheries on Mafia Island, Tanzania, with a special focus on MACEMP and WWF-JSDF programs.

The sustainability of donor-funded projects remains a critical challenge, particularly in small-scale fisheries within developing nations. This study examines the factors influencing the sustainability of donor-funded projects in Tanzania’s coastal marine waters, focusing on the Marine and Coastal Environment Management Project (MACEMP) and the WWF-Japanese Social Development Fund (WWF-JSDF) project. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative analyses through structured interviews, surveys, and secondary data reviews.

Findings reveal that while donor interventions significantly improve local livelihoods, their long-term impact is often limited by financial constraints, insufficient technical skills, inadequate monitoring and evaluation, and poor stakeholder engagement. Community participation is crucial in ensuring sustainability, but the study highlights that many projects fail to transition into self-sustaining models after donor withdrawal. Additionally, short-term project funding cycles and weak institutional frameworks hinder long-term success.

The study concludes that a shift towards participatory project design, capacity building, and financial models emphasizing sustainability, such as soft loans, matching funds, and performance-based grants instead of conventional grants, can improve outcomes. More substantial stakeholder involvement, continued training, and structured follow-up mechanisms are recommended to enhance the sustainability of donor-funded initiatives.