An Analysis of Risk Management Effectiveness in Project Procurement: A Case Study of Matero Constituency CDF Construction Projects

This study examined the effectiveness of risk management processes in the procurement of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) construction projects in Matero constituency, Zambia. It was premised on the observation that such projects frequently face delays, budget overruns, and quality issues, undermining their developmental impact, due to inadequacies in identifying, assessing, and mitigating procurement risks. The research was guided by three specific objectives: to examine the influence of risk identification on procurement efficiency; to assess the impact of risk mitigation strategies on project quality, timelines, and budgets; and to evaluate the role of stakeholder involvement in enhancing risk management effectiveness. Employing a descriptive research design, the study collected data from a sample of 53 key stakeholders including fund managers, project managers, procurement committee members, contractors, and community members selected via simple random sampling from a target population of 178. Data were gathered using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed through thematic analysis. Key findings revealed a high awareness of common procurement risks among stakeholders; however, the application of risk mitigation strategies was inconsistent and perceived as largely ineffective, hindered by institutional gaps, poor coordination, and a critical ambiguity in risk ownership. Stakeholder involvement, though identified as vital, was sub-optimized due to insufficient communication, lack of transparent supplier vetting, and fragmented engagement mechanisms. The study concluded that robust and systematic risk management is not fully institutionalized in Matero’s CDF procurement. Its effectiveness remains contingent upon structured institutional support, capacity building, and genuine, well-coordinated stakeholder engagement. Consequently, the study recommends institutionalizing clear risk ownership and accountability, standardizing and systematizing risk mitigation practices, enhancing stakeholder engagement through structured communication, and strengthening procurement integrity and oversight to improve project outcomes, efficiency, and sustainability.