An evaluation of stakeholder coordination in donor-funded programs in Zimbabwe’s health sector: A case of HIV/AIDS Pima CD4 technology

Abstract

Many multi-donor funded programs in Zimbabwe do not achieve optimal resource utilization and program sustainability due to poor field-level stakeholder coordination, consequentially resulting in low beneficiary and donor accountability by the program implementing partners. The dissertation was based on the evaluation of stakeholder coordination in donor-funded programs in the Zimbabwe’s health sector; a case of HIV/AIDS Pima CD4 Technology. The main research question was whether field-level stakeholder coordination will foster optimum use of scarce resources.The research findings have demonstrated that well-informed cross-functional resource sharing networks bring efficacy in programming through shared skills, financial, material and information resources.

The research objectives were achieved and empirical evidence has shown that field-level stakeholder coordination also can foster compliance to international programming standards. The research findings have also demonstrated that a centralised coordinated approach by implementing partners fosters program sustainability, institutional memory retention and increase the attainment of the program goals. The complex adaptive systems (CAS) coordinating board evolve internally, with member organisations forming the sub-systems, and adapt to non-linear external operating environment.

The research methodology which was used was triangulation of methodologies which justifies the researcher’s philosophy of realism. For the qualitative and quantitative data required, the research used mixed methods approach(data abstraction, surveys, observations, focus group discussions and interviews methods). Nevertheless, due to the time, scope and resource constraints, the researcher used primary data for the qualitative data and secondary quantitative data. The researcher conducted in-depth interviews with management and program specialist. The interviews were tape recorded and transcribed, hand coded and categorized and analyzed using content analysis method. The qualitative data from the secondary source was analyzed using SPSS, and chi-square test was used to measure variable dependency.