Assessing Constituents’ Experiences and Community Participation in The Utilisation of Constituency Development Funds in Mufumbwe, Zambia

Sauka Khayi and Joe Likando
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Sauka Khayi: University of Zambia
Joe Likando: University of Zambia

African Journal of Commercial Studies, 2026, vol. 7, issue 2

Abstract: This study investigated the experiences of constituents in the utilisation of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) in Mufumbwe Constituency, Zambia, with the aim of assessing how community members engaged with CDF projects, identifying challenges affecting fund utilisation, and exploring strategies to enhance participation and effectiveness. The study employed a qualitative phenomenological design to capture the lived experiences of 40 purposively selected participants, including community members, councillors, and district officials directly involved in CDF activities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document review, and were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings revealed that community participation in CDF projects exists but is inconsistent across wards, with some communities actively involved in planning and decision-making, while others experience limited consultation. Major challenges identified include delays in fund disbursement, procedural inefficiencies, low technical capacity of committees, political interference, and inadequate monitoring and follow-up. Despite these challenges, constituents expressed moderate satisfaction with completed projects, although concerns regarding sustainability, maintenance, and transparency were noted. The study concludes that while CDFs have the potential to promote local development and community empowerment, their effectiveness is constrained by governance and operational challenges. It recommends enhancing community awareness, strengthening technical capacity, ensuring timely fund disbursement, and improving accountability mechanisms to optimize project outcomes and sustainability.

Keywords: Constituency Development Fund; Community Participation; Project Effectiveness; Mufumbwe Constituency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D73 H72 O18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cwk:ajocsk:2026-43

DOI: 10.59413/ajocs/v7.i2.25

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