The significance of stakeholder engagement towards building sustainable climate smart villages in Mwenezi District

Abstract

Building sustainable climate smart villages is a strategy that enhances communities’ capacities to counter shocks and stressors. The study sought to assess the significance of stakeholder engagement towards creation of sustainable climate smart villages in Mwenezi District wards. A mixed method research design was adopted triangulating qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative approach depended on key informant interviews, focus group discussions and field observations. Key informants for interviews were selected using purposive sampling technique. A 10% sampling frame was used to calculate questionnaire respondents from a total of 1307 and this translated to 130 people. Systematic random sampling was used to distribute questionnaires. Quantitative approach depended on closed ended questions and use of statistical packages such as SPSS version 25.0 for data analysis. The research findings revealed that building resilience and creation of sustainable climate smart villages requires a multi-stakeholder approach to share ideas and responsibilities. Many organisations are operating in Mwenezi District wards implementing more resilient interventions. The AGRITEX department led the crop production sector, Department of Veterinary services led the livestock production sector, and PLAN international led the sanitation and hygiene projects and ensuring strengthening of community safety nets.