The main objective of this paper is to contribute to the advancement of theoretical knowledge and to the improvement of project ownership for sustainability. In particular, it takes a critical look at the factors that limit the performance and sustainability of projects. The focus of our analysis is on the influence of cultural particulary religious factors in the adoption of soccer by girls in the framework of the project « Promotion of girls’ leadership through football in the Tchaoudjo prefecture ».
The mixed qualitative/quantitative method and the project case study are the basis of the methodological protocol. Semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and document analysis were used to collect useful information.
These instruments allowed to generate reliable results that address the limitations of the non-participatory approach to project management. These are essentially the obscuring methodological and human factors grouped into eleven (11) neglected factors around the three stages of the project cycle (Project Genesis and Design, Project Planning and Implementation, Project Closure and Transfer) that affect project ownership. Also, these instruments facilitated the measurement of the degree of influence of each of the identified factors. Finally, the results achieved have allowed the development of an integrated project management approach that is conducive to the ownership of the results of these projects.
Keywords: Ownership, Participation, Girls, Football, Leadership, Development
