Title: Factors Influencing the Performance of World Bank-Funded Projects: Evidence from Woliso Town, Ethiopia
Authors: Workenh Eshatuu Sime (PhD) and Mustefa Asafa Gobu
Volume: 10
Issue: 8
Pages: 109-120
Publication Date: 2026/08/28
Abstract:
This study examined the factors affecting the performance of World Bank-funded projects in Woliso Town. The study focused on assessing the influence of stakeholder involvement, staff competencies, monitoring and evaluation, and resource availability on the performance of World Bank-funded projects. A descriptive and explanatory research design was employed using a quantitative research approach. Data were collected from 296 respondents through self-administered questionnaires, and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis with the support of SPSS. The findings revealed that stakeholder involvement, staff competencies, monitoring and evaluation, and resource availability had a significant positive effect on the performance of World Bank-funded projects. The correlation analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between all independent variables and project performance. Furthermore, the regression model showed that the selected factors explained 67.5% of the variation in project performance. Among the factors, resource availability was found to be the strongest predictor of project performance, followed by staff competencies, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder involvement. The study concluded that successful implementation of World Bank-funded projects requires effective stakeholder engagement, competent project personnel, continuous monitoring and evaluation, and adequate availability and utilization of resources. Therefore, the study recommends strengthening stakeholder participation, improving staff capacity through continuous training, institutionalizing monitoring and evaluation practices, and enhancing resource mobilization and management to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of World Bank-funded projects in Woliso Town.