Factors Contributing to the Failure of Development Projects in Cameroon

Abstract

Governments and organizations, in developing countries, have witnessed project failures in their project implementation, although there might be some differences in the causes, effects and consequences of such failures among governments. This study aims at investigating factors contributing to the failure of development projects in Cameroon and more specifically, the internal factors and the external factors, as well as the strategies that can be employed by the stakeholders to anticipate those projects’ failure. This study employs a cross-sectional survey research design and more specifically a sequential exploratory mixed-method approach. Data was purposively collected from a representative sample of 186 participants stratified into project management team members, community leaders and influential men and women (elites), household heads, members of projects management committees. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire while a focus group discussion was organized with community leaders and members of project management committees. The necessary methodological technical requirements were followed to ensure the validity and reliability of the data. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Standard version, Release 21.0 for the structured questionnaire and following the process of thematic analysis for the group discussion. It then appears that corruption, poor governance, embezzlement of projects funds and the lack of competence of the projects managers are the most prominent internal factors leading to the failure of development projects in Cameroon. On the other hand, the major concern raised by the community leaders and members of management committees is that the political environment is the most prominent external factor leading to project failure in Cameroon, followed by the technological environment and the economic environment factors. The study recommended amongst others strategies to ensure development projects success in Cameroon, to improve on procurement procedure by reducing bureaucracy delay at all levels, and unfair practices like corruption and favoritism, to improving on communication to make sure that all the stakeholders are kept abreast of the progress of the project and the challenges faced such that concerted solutions can be provided, to practice good leadership that makes sure the objectives are met while mitigating corruption and embezzlement of funds.