Abstract:
The sustainability of community-based development projects (CBPs) post-donor withdrawal
remains a major challenge. This study explores how exit strategies affect the perceived
sustainability of CBPs in Traditional Authority Phambala, Ntcheu District, Malawi, using a
mixed-methods approach. The specific objectives of the study were to (a) explore the
sustainability of a community-based development project after donor withdrawal (b) analyze
the design of the exit strategies approaches to enhance the sustainability of community-based
projects. (c) examine the factors that affect the perceived sustainability of project benefits after
the project funding ends. Quantitative data from 138 beneficiaries and qualitative insights from
key informants and focus groups revealed that two CBPs lacked structured exit strategies, while
two had poorly implemented ones. Projects were often handed over to unprepared community
committees without sufficient training or resources, leading to the collapse of activities within
two years. Logistic regression identified capacity building, beneficiary age, occupation, and
handover processes as key sustainability factors. Thematic analysis emphasized inadequate
institutional support, weak community engagement, and lack of ownership. The study
recommends integrating comprehensive, participatory exit strategies from the outset,
emphasizing capacity building, clear handover processes, and ongoing support to ensure long term development impact beyond donor funding
