Failure and Success of Developmental and Research Projects: A Review of Tanzania Perspectives

This paper reports the factors linked to success or failure of development and research projects in Tanzania. This was a desk literature study conducted to explore the said factors. The study results reveal that the factors robustly linked to research projects include community involvement, effective leadership and governance, sustainable funding sources, adequate resource distribution, technical know-how, and ongoing capacity enhancement. Furthermore, strong monitoring and evaluation play key roles in guaranteeing project sustainability. In contrast, the study disclosed that the factors associated with research project failure include lack of stakeholder engagement, poor planning and implementation, insufficient funding, political instability, and corruption. The paper also proposes solutions for improving these areas, including increasing stakeholder involvement, strengthening governance structures, ensuring long-term funding, and supporting improved planning and execution processes. Additionally, enhancing close monitoring and assessment could help overcoming the challenge of project delays and failure. The paper provides a useful insight into how future Tanzanian developmental and research programs could be better effectively managed and sustained to ensure long-term positive outcomes.