| dc.description |
One of the key elements of public sector reforms in the world is the decentralization of power, resources and functions from central government to LGAs. Since the 1990s, Tanzania’s government through LGRP adopted D-by-D for strengthening good governance. This study explores the determinants of effective implementation of decentralization reforms in Tanzania’s LGAs, specifically at SMC. It focuses on the implementation process of decentralization reforms, the effectiveness of implementation of decentralization reforms, the factors for effective execution of the reforms and finally the factors hindering effective execution of reforms in LGAs in Tanzania. A sample size of 50 respondents were purposively and randomly selected and used in the study. The study used case study design and mixed data collection methods. Data collected were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. The study has discovered that the process of implementation of decentralization reforms in Tanzania’s LGAs was activated by the creation of decentralized institutions like LGAs, enactment and amendments of numerous pieces of legislation and through devolving limited fiscal, administrative and political power/functions to LGAs. It was further discovered that the effectiveness of decentralization in LGAs in Tanzania is rather mixed and not guaranteed because LGAs have not yet given autonomy over the entire governance of local affairs. However, the study observed some good practice in government responsiveness to the needs of the people. The study confirmed further that for effective implementation of the reforms in Tanzania’s LGAs, political will and commitment from government, institutional capacity of LGAs, policy coherence and strong legal framework are vital. It further revealed that, LGAs have neither institutional capacities nor the political will and commitment to effective implement decentralization reforms. It is recommended that, more political will and commitment from the central government and instant reviewing of existing legal framework is vital for safeguarding local autonomy over local governance matters. Adoption of decentralization policy is crucial, if Tanzania is to advantage from decentralization reforms as advocated by the NPM model. |
|