Resource Mobilization Strategies and the Performance of Agri-Food System Projects at the World Food Programme in Isiolo County, Kenya

This study sought to assess the influence of resource mobilization strategies on the performance of agri-food system projects at the World Food Program in Isiolo County, Kenya. The study was guided by the Resource-Based View Theory. This study adopted a mixed methods approach and convergent parallel design. The study targeted 9,469 people. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques was used. The sample size was 394, with 384 individual respondents from Isiolo County wards, and 10 Key informants drawn from WFP implementing partners from Public, Private and Non-Governmental entities and 3 WFP staff. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides and analyzed using statistical techniques with the help of SPSS version 26 software program. The qualitative data was analysed thematically where voices of the interviewees were captured in the analysis. From the findings, on whether effective resource mobilization enhances the financial sustainability of agri-food projects, 229 respondents (60.4%) agreed, 116 (30.6%) strongly agreed, 11 (2.9%) were neutral, 11 (2.9%) disagreed, and 12 (3.2%) strongly disagreed. The mean score was M = 4.12 (SD = 0.87), reflecting broad consensus. For availability of diverse funding sources improving project efficiency, 218 (57.5%) agreed, 116 (30.6%) strongly agreed, 22 (5.8%) were neutral, 17 (4.5%) disagreed, and 6 (1.6%) strongly disagreed. This yielded a mean of M = 4.11 (SD = 0.83). Resource mobilization proved to have a strong impact on project success. Strategic planning, diversified funding, and community involvement were identified as essential for financial sustainability and reduced dependency on external donors. The World Food Programme and development partners should adopt a diversified financing model that combines multi-year donor commitments, public–private co-financing, and community-based funding mechanisms such as cooperatives and savings groups. Key Words: Resource Mobilization, Strategies, Performance, Agri-Food System Projects, World Food Programme