Assessment of the Challenges Facing Church Project for Community Development in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania– South Central Diocese

theology and mission

This study assessed the challenges faced by church projects for community development in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania – South Central Diocese (ELCT-SCD). The research aimed to identify key obstacles hindering the effective implementation of these initiatives, which sought to improve the socio-economic welfare of local communities. Data were collected through qualitative methods, including interviews with church leaders, community members and project coordinators, alongside document analysis of church reports and project records. The study was grounded in the sustainable livelihoods approach, which emphasizes collective action, empowerment, and participatory development as crucial elements for sustainable community transformation. Findings revealed several significant challenges, including limited financial resources, inadequate training for project staff, insufficient community involvement, and lack of proper monitoring and evaluation systems. Logistical constraints, such as transportation difficulties and poor infrastructure, also emerged as barriers to project success. Despite these obstacles, the study highlighted the resilience of church leaders and communities in pursuing development goals. The research concluded by recommending strategies for overcoming these challenges, such as strengthening partnerships with local and international organizations, enhancing capacity-building efforts, and improving community participation in project planning and execution. Ultimately, the study aimed to provide insights for enhancing the effectiveness of community development projects within the ELCT-SCD, using a community-centered and participatory approach.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.