Abstract:
Globally more than one billion people experience disability, the majority of
whom live in low and middle-income countries. It is encouraging that persons with
disabilities” or “disability” are specifically mentioned in the 2030 agenda for
sustainable development. The main objective of this study was to examine
determinants of Sustainability of People Living with Disabilities Empowerment
Projects. The study utilised interviews and discussion methods, using interview
guides to collect data from respondents. Both open ended and closed questions were
set guided by research questions. Yamane’s formula was used for determining sample
size of the youth beneficiaries (n=166 beneficiaries). Quantitative data was analyzed
using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of the statistical package for
social science (SPSS) which helped to analyze quantitative data in form of frequency
distribution tables, graphs, ratios and percentages for clear presentation of the data,
based on the relevant of research questions. The study targeted 166 respondents, 160
of the respondents filled and returned the questionnaire, forming a response rate of
96.4%. Findings showed that economic determinants & Political alignments was
statistically significant to sustainability of PLWD empowerment projects (β = 0.532,
P = 0.006). The study also revealed that Organizational or external funding was
statistically significant to sustainability of PLWD empowerment projects as shown by
(β = 0.689, P = 0.001). The study revealed that holding economic determinants &
Political alignments, organizational or external funding, contribution of members
and organizational structure constant would significantly influence sustainability of
PLWD empowerment projects as shown by constant = 1.024. It was concluded that
organisational and external funding affected sustainability of projects aimed at
empowering people with disability. There should be enough organizational or
external funding before the commencement of the projects. This will help in setting a
budget for the all project to ensure that it is completed. Also in appraisal for projects,
participation of people living with disability should be ensured.