Abstract:
The main purpose of the study was to examine how governance and poverty reduction have been enhanced through decentralisation, with the view to informing future strategies.
The study combined different methodologies including a review of existing and relevant data, and qualitative methods such as focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Data collected during this study were electronically recorded, transcribed, thematically clustered, and reduced to a useable state. This was followed by thorough content analysis and personal reflection of the issues discussed.
The study shows that, while there has been significant progress in putting the local government structures in place, there are still difficulties in the operationalisation of the metropolitan sub-structures which should have been the main channel for community mobilisation, education, and ownership of local government policies and programmes. Thus, governance has largely been at the top, without a significant flow to the bottom.
It is therefore recommended that the capacities of the metropolitan sub-structures be strengthened to function effectively, including constituting all the required Unit Committees, and providing adequate financial, human and logistical support for the Zonal Councils and Unit Committees within the Metropolis. The scope and trend of capacity building should be widened to include relevant training for traditional authorities and organised civil society groups who provide additional entry point for grassroots participation.
