Beneficiary Involvement and Financial Sustainability of Selected Rural Water Supply Projects in Rulindo District

Fils James Shyaka; Jean Claude Karekezi

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15

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Beneficiary Involvement and Financial Sustainability of Selected Rural Water Supply Projects in Rulindo District

Fils James Shyaka^*

, Jean Claude Karekezi

Published in International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences (Volume 13, Issue 4)

Received: 27 June 2025 Accepted: 14 July 2025 Published: 11 August 2025

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Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of beneficiary involvement on financial sustainability of selected rural water supply projects in Rulindo District, Rwanda. It focused on understanding how genuine involvement of beneficiaries in the initiation, planning, implementation, and monitoring phases of rural water supply projects can enhance their financial sustainability, using Rulindo District as a case study. A quantitative research design was adopted, with a target population of 20,074 households from three administrative sectors of Rulindo District namely Shyorongi, Rusiga, and Bushoki. A proportional sampling was used to ensure the sample accurately represented the population, with 203 respondents from Shyorongi Sector, 63 from Rusiga Sector, and 111 from Bushoki Sector. Primary data were collected through a self-developed questionnaire, and the reliability of the instrument was tested, yielding Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients above 0.7. The study achieved a 100% response rate. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, multiple linear regression, to explore the contribution of beneficiary involvement on financial sustainability. Quantitative results indicated that beneficiary involvement explained about 54.1% of variance in financial sustainability. The study concluded that the involvement of beneficiaries, particularly during the initiation and monitoring phases, is crucial for achieving financial sustainability. The study recommends that the beneficiaries of rural water supply projects should be involved across all phases of these projects via structured community involvement strategies such as water user committees, participatory rural appraisal, community contracting, stakeholder workshops and consultations, training and capacity building programs, community monitoring and reporting systems and inclusion of women and marginalized groups.

Published in	International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences (Volume 13, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15
Page(s)	222-234
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Rural Water Supply Project, Beneficiaries Involvement, Project Phases, Financial Sustainability

References

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[2]	Langsdale, S. M., & Cardwell, H. E. (2022). Stakeholder engagement for sustainable water supply management: What does the future hold? AQUA—Water Infrastructure, Ecosystems and Society, 71(10), 1095-1105. https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2022.041
[3]	Rolston, A., Jennings, E., & Linnane, S. (2017). Water matters: An assessment of opinion on water management and community engagement in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. PLOS ONE, 12(4), e0174957. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0174957
[4]	Moreira, F. D., Fonseca, P. R. S., Miranda, R. M., Oliveira da Costa, L., & Mejias Carpio, I. E. (2024). Stakeholder engagement for inclusive water governance in a rural community in Brazil. Frontiers in Water, 6, 1378514. https://doi.org/10.3389/frwa.2024.1378514
[5]	Tsekleves, E., Braga, M. F., Abonge, C., Santana, M., Pickup, R., Anchang, K. Y., de Pippo, T., Semple, K., & Roy, M. (2022). Community engagement in water, sanitation and hygiene in sub-Saharan Africa: Does it WASH? Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, 12(2), 143-154. https://doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2022.136
[6]	Murongo, E., & Seuya, T. (2021). Community participation and sustainability of rural water supply projects in East Africa. Journal of Research Innovation and Implications in Education, 5(4), 274-280.
[7]	Ndinda, P. G. N., & Gachengo, L. (2021). Stakeholders’ participation and its effect on water projects sustainability in Machakos County, Kenya. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 11(12), 232-236. https://doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.11.12.2021.p12032
[8]	Mbunda, F. A., & Bakari, S. J. (2022). Community participation in rural water supply projects: Influencing factors and challenges in Nyasa District. African Journal of Water Conservation and Sustainability, 10(1), 1-5.
[9]	Mgulo, R., & Kamazima, S. R. (2022). Community participation and non-governmental organizations-funded rural water projects’ sustainability: A case of Chamwino District, Dodoma Region, Tanzania. European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, 4(2), 51-56. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejmed.2022.4.2.1166
[10]	Kyomukama, S. L., & Mulyungi, P. (2018). Effect of beneficiary involvement approaches on sustainability of water supply project in Rwanda: A case of potable water supply and sanitation project in Southern Province. International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations, 6(1), 1045-1053.
[11]	Isaboke, P. K. N., & Nyarora, M. K. (2017). Community participation impacting clean water projects’ sustainability in Rwanda: A case study on Ruhango Sector of Ruhango District. International Journal of Law, Humanities & Social Science, 2(2), 92-111.
[12]	Kamuhanda, J. K., & Mutanguha, J. (2021). Assessment of the effects of community participation on sustainable development in Rwanda: A case of WaterAid Rwanda project in Gahanga Sector, Kicukiro District. International Journal of Advanced Scientific Research and Management, 6(1), 1-8.
[13]	Arnstein, S. R. (1969). A ladder of citizen participation. Journal of the American Institute of Planners, 35(4), 216-224. https://doi.org/10.1080/01944366908977225
[14]	Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Pitman.
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[18]	National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda. (2023, September). Fifth population and housing census, Rwanda, 2022: District profile - Rulindo.

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APA Style

Shyaka, F. J., Karekezi, J. C. (2025). Beneficiary Involvement and Financial Sustainability of Selected Rural Water Supply Projects in Rulindo District. International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences, 13(4), 222-234. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15

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ACS Style

Shyaka, F. J.; Karekezi, J. C. Beneficiary Involvement and Financial Sustainability of Selected Rural Water Supply Projects in Rulindo District. Int. J. Econ. Finance Manag. Sci. 2025, 13(4), 222-234. doi: 10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15

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AMA Style

Shyaka FJ, Karekezi JC. Beneficiary Involvement and Financial Sustainability of Selected Rural Water Supply Projects in Rulindo District. Int J Econ Finance Manag Sci. 2025;13(4):222-234. doi: 10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15

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@article{10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15,
  author = {Fils James Shyaka and Jean Claude Karekezi},
  title = {Beneficiary Involvement and Financial Sustainability of Selected Rural Water Supply Projects in Rulindo District
},
  journal = {International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences},
  volume = {13},
  number = {4},
  pages = {222-234},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijefm.20251304.15},
  abstract = {The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of beneficiary involvement on financial sustainability of selected rural water supply projects in Rulindo District, Rwanda. It focused on understanding how genuine involvement of beneficiaries in the initiation, planning, implementation, and monitoring phases of rural water supply projects can enhance their financial sustainability, using Rulindo District as a case study. A quantitative research design was adopted, with a target population of 20,074 households from three administrative sectors of Rulindo District namely Shyorongi, Rusiga, and Bushoki. A proportional sampling was used to ensure the sample accurately represented the population, with 203 respondents from Shyorongi Sector, 63 from Rusiga Sector, and 111 from Bushoki Sector. Primary data were collected through a self-developed questionnaire, and the reliability of the instrument was tested, yielding Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients above 0.7. The study achieved a 100% response rate. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, multiple linear regression, to explore the contribution of beneficiary involvement on financial sustainability. Quantitative results indicated that beneficiary involvement explained about 54.1% of variance in financial sustainability. The study concluded that the involvement of beneficiaries, particularly during the initiation and monitoring phases, is crucial for achieving financial sustainability. The study recommends that the beneficiaries of rural water supply projects should be involved across all phases of these projects via structured community involvement strategies such as water user committees, participatory rural appraisal, community contracting, stakeholder workshops and consultations, training and capacity building programs, community monitoring and reporting systems and inclusion of women and marginalized groups.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Beneficiary Involvement and Financial Sustainability of Selected Rural Water Supply Projects in Rulindo District

AU  - Fils James Shyaka
AU  - Jean Claude Karekezi
Y1  - 2025/08/11
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15
T2  - International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences
SP  - 222
EP  - 234
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2326-9561
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15
AB  - The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of beneficiary involvement on financial sustainability of selected rural water supply projects in Rulindo District, Rwanda. It focused on understanding how genuine involvement of beneficiaries in the initiation, planning, implementation, and monitoring phases of rural water supply projects can enhance their financial sustainability, using Rulindo District as a case study. A quantitative research design was adopted, with a target population of 20,074 households from three administrative sectors of Rulindo District namely Shyorongi, Rusiga, and Bushoki. A proportional sampling was used to ensure the sample accurately represented the population, with 203 respondents from Shyorongi Sector, 63 from Rusiga Sector, and 111 from Bushoki Sector. Primary data were collected through a self-developed questionnaire, and the reliability of the instrument was tested, yielding Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients above 0.7. The study achieved a 100% response rate. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, multiple linear regression, to explore the contribution of beneficiary involvement on financial sustainability. Quantitative results indicated that beneficiary involvement explained about 54.1% of variance in financial sustainability. The study concluded that the involvement of beneficiaries, particularly during the initiation and monitoring phases, is crucial for achieving financial sustainability. The study recommends that the beneficiaries of rural water supply projects should be involved across all phases of these projects via structured community involvement strategies such as water user committees, participatory rural appraisal, community contracting, stakeholder workshops and consultations, training and capacity building programs, community monitoring and reporting systems and inclusion of women and marginalized groups.
VL  - 13
IS  - 4
ER  -

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Author Information

Fils James Shyaka

Business Administration in Project Management, Adventist University of Central Africa, Kigali, Rwanda

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0006-2423-7207
Jean Claude Karekezi

Business Administration in Finance, Adventist University of Central Africa, Kigali, Rwanda

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9807-0482

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APA Style

Shyaka, F. J., Karekezi, J. C. (2025). Beneficiary Involvement and Financial Sustainability of Selected Rural Water Supply Projects in Rulindo District. International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences, 13(4), 222-234. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15

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ACS Style

Shyaka, F. J.; Karekezi, J. C. Beneficiary Involvement and Financial Sustainability of Selected Rural Water Supply Projects in Rulindo District. Int. J. Econ. Finance Manag. Sci. 2025, 13(4), 222-234. doi: 10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15

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AMA Style

Shyaka FJ, Karekezi JC. Beneficiary Involvement and Financial Sustainability of Selected Rural Water Supply Projects in Rulindo District. Int J Econ Finance Manag Sci. 2025;13(4):222-234. doi: 10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15,
  author = {Fils James Shyaka and Jean Claude Karekezi},
  title = {Beneficiary Involvement and Financial Sustainability of Selected Rural Water Supply Projects in Rulindo District
},
  journal = {International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences},
  volume = {13},
  number = {4},
  pages = {222-234},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijefm.20251304.15},
  abstract = {The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of beneficiary involvement on financial sustainability of selected rural water supply projects in Rulindo District, Rwanda. It focused on understanding how genuine involvement of beneficiaries in the initiation, planning, implementation, and monitoring phases of rural water supply projects can enhance their financial sustainability, using Rulindo District as a case study. A quantitative research design was adopted, with a target population of 20,074 households from three administrative sectors of Rulindo District namely Shyorongi, Rusiga, and Bushoki. A proportional sampling was used to ensure the sample accurately represented the population, with 203 respondents from Shyorongi Sector, 63 from Rusiga Sector, and 111 from Bushoki Sector. Primary data were collected through a self-developed questionnaire, and the reliability of the instrument was tested, yielding Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients above 0.7. The study achieved a 100% response rate. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, multiple linear regression, to explore the contribution of beneficiary involvement on financial sustainability. Quantitative results indicated that beneficiary involvement explained about 54.1% of variance in financial sustainability. The study concluded that the involvement of beneficiaries, particularly during the initiation and monitoring phases, is crucial for achieving financial sustainability. The study recommends that the beneficiaries of rural water supply projects should be involved across all phases of these projects via structured community involvement strategies such as water user committees, participatory rural appraisal, community contracting, stakeholder workshops and consultations, training and capacity building programs, community monitoring and reporting systems and inclusion of women and marginalized groups.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Beneficiary Involvement and Financial Sustainability of Selected Rural Water Supply Projects in Rulindo District

AU  - Fils James Shyaka
AU  - Jean Claude Karekezi
Y1  - 2025/08/11
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15
T2  - International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences
SP  - 222
EP  - 234
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2326-9561
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijefm.20251304.15
AB  - The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of beneficiary involvement on financial sustainability of selected rural water supply projects in Rulindo District, Rwanda. It focused on understanding how genuine involvement of beneficiaries in the initiation, planning, implementation, and monitoring phases of rural water supply projects can enhance their financial sustainability, using Rulindo District as a case study. A quantitative research design was adopted, with a target population of 20,074 households from three administrative sectors of Rulindo District namely Shyorongi, Rusiga, and Bushoki. A proportional sampling was used to ensure the sample accurately represented the population, with 203 respondents from Shyorongi Sector, 63 from Rusiga Sector, and 111 from Bushoki Sector. Primary data were collected through a self-developed questionnaire, and the reliability of the instrument was tested, yielding Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients above 0.7. The study achieved a 100% response rate. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, multiple linear regression, to explore the contribution of beneficiary involvement on financial sustainability. Quantitative results indicated that beneficiary involvement explained about 54.1% of variance in financial sustainability. The study concluded that the involvement of beneficiaries, particularly during the initiation and monitoring phases, is crucial for achieving financial sustainability. The study recommends that the beneficiaries of rural water supply projects should be involved across all phases of these projects via structured community involvement strategies such as water user committees, participatory rural appraisal, community contracting, stakeholder workshops and consultations, training and capacity building programs, community monitoring and reporting systems and inclusion of women and marginalized groups.
VL  - 13
IS  - 4
ER  -

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