Determinants of Agricultural Projects Implementation Delays: The Case of Agricultural Projects Financed by Development Bank of Ethiopia

Abstract

This study focused on identifying the determinants of agricultural projects implementation delays in Gambella Regional State. It examined 35 agriculture (cotton) projects that were financed by the Development Bank of Ethiopia. Quantitative research approach with a causal research design was adopted for the investigation. The multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to identify the factors that determine delay. The schedule performance index was used as indicator for the dependent variable (project implementation delay).The research is cross sectional in nature and the unit of analysis is the individual agricultural projects. The major findings include extremely poor implementation follow up by the relevant staff, frequent land over lapping, improper utilization of disbursed fund by promoters, low and limited capacity of the bank staff to assist the promoter regularly, poor time management and scheduling operational activities (work breaking down), lack of well-developed system of resources (natural, human, financial, social, physical and informational).To improve the performance of the agricultural projects, and future projects that have similar nature, the Bank and the project owners should give due attention to the correlates identified determinant variables for the delay of agricultural projects implementation by this study that determine project success.