Other Public Sector Study

335 items available

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https://hdl.handle.net/10986/2206

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The Role of Local Governments in Promoting Local Economic Development in Uganda
(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2016-06) World Bank Group
While Uganda has a long history of decentralized service delivery, and has instituted Local Economic Development (LED) as an additional mandate for local governments (LGs), there has been less progress in operationalizing the concept and practically implementing it across LGs in Uganda. In addition to their basic service delivery functions enshrined in the Local Governments Act of 1997, since 2006 LGs are also mandated by various policy documents to play a role in wealth creation, and increasing citizens’ income levels. While the Government of Uganda (GoU)’s LED Policy does outline the strategic intervention areas that LGs should implement, there is still considerable confusion among LG staff as to what this entails on a day to day basis and there has been limited progress in implementation. At the request of the MoLG, the World Bank, therefore, commissioned this assignment in support of the Government of Uganda (GoU's) efforts to improve the capacities of LGs for promoting LED. The study focused on assessing three localities (Jinja Municipality, and Arua and Nwoya Districts), both in terms of their local economic potentials and enabling environment for business, as well as in terms of the institutional and policy context for promoting LED. The study used quantitative methodologies, to identify promising economic sectors in the three localities, as well as qualitative methodologies to identify the main constraints that those sectors currently face.
Devolution without Disruption: Pathways to a Successful New Kenya
(World Bank, Nairobi, 2012-11) World Bank
Kenya's new constitution marks a critical juncture in the nation's history. It is widely perceived, by Kenyans from all walks of life, as a new beginning. Indeed, many feel that post- independence Kenya has been characterized by centralization of political and economic power in the hands of a few, resulting in an uneven and unfair distribution of resources and corresponding access to social services; the opposite of an inclusive state. Born of the political opportunity created by the 2008 post-election violence, the constitution finally adopted, after almost a decade of unsuccessful reform attempts, presages far-reaching changes. Its vision encompasses a dramatic transformation of the Kenyan state through new accountable and transparent institutions, inclusive approaches to government and a firm focus on equitable service delivery for all Kenyans through the newly established county governments. Devolution is at the heart of the new constitution and a key vehicle for addressing spatial inequities. A more decentralized government makes eminent sense, given Kenya's diversity and experience with political use of central power. Decentralization has been increasingly seen and adopted worldwide as a guarantee against discretionary use of power by central elites as well as a way to enhance the efficiency of social service provision, by allowing for a closer match between public policies and the desires and needs of local constituencies. Kenya's constitution entrenches devolved government by guaranteeing a minimum unconditional transfer to counties under the new dispensation. The devolution train has already left the station: the challenge is to make sure it arrives at destination, safely and on time. The politics of devolution explain the high intensity of hopes and expectations that have been pinned to it. It also means there are high risks if they are disappointed. There are great opportunities and enormous challenges waiting for Kenya, in a critical election year, which will determine the fate of the country, politically and economically for years to come. This report takes a snapshot look at the critical issues facing Kenya's policy makers today. It does not argue for or against devolution (a decision that belongs solely to Kenyans), but presents suggestions and recommendations on how best to navigate the tough choices ahead. It's main focus in on helping Kenya manage a delicate transition.
Madagascar : Decentralization
(Washington, DC, 2003-11-05) World Bank
The objective of this decentralization study is to provide analysis and policy advice to the new Malagasy government on how to proceed with the decentralization strategy it inherited from the previous government. The end of the post-crisis emergency recovery period creates the opportunity to correct the weaknesses of the previous strategy while building on the exiting achievements. The paper specifically aims to (i) analyze the institutional and fiscal context of decentralization and (ii) present the resulting challenges for service delivery and financing - with a particular focus on local governments. Benefiting from primary data from several hundred local governments, this study aims at proving recommendations of how to improve the functioning of communes in considering the institutional and fiscal parameters. The report is organized into four chapters, including the Introduction, which explain the political, institutional, and fiscal determinants that have been influencing Madagascar's decentralization process, and which will continue to do so in the future. Chapter 2 provides the political and institutional background needed to better understand the decentralization context of today. The chapter analyzes the historical forces of centralization, which date back to pre-colonial times and translate into today's dominant role of the central government administration. The chapter then takes a closer look at the existing administrative set-up to explain functions and responsibilities at different levels of government. To this end, it looks at the regulatory gaps and inconsistencies in the legal framework, the parallelism between decentralized and deconcentrated layers, and the emerging role of inter- communal associations and informal regional planning bodies. Based on the concept of the sub-national fiscal gap, chapter 3 analyzes structural constraints to fiscal decentralization in Madagascar, and in particular the dominance of revenue items which cannot be decentralized. Given the l o w degree of fiscal decentralization, the chapter takes a closer look at expenditure deconcentration and provides a more in-depth analysis of deconcentration in the health and education sectors. The last part of the chapter evaluates Madagascar's intergovernmental transfers, which represent the most important source of local government financing. Communes are the lowest and institutionally most advanced level of sub-national government in Madagascar. They are also the main focus of this study. The fourth chapter describes the institutional dynamics at the local level to provide the ground for a thorough analysis of local government finance. The chapter provides an estimate of local needs, and analyzes revenue and expenditure patterns based on budget data of a large sample of rural communes.
State and Local Governance in Nigeria
(Washington, DC, 2002-07-23) World Bank
The purpose of this study is to increase knowledge about state capacity in Nigeria by taking stock of governance issues, including public financial management and civil services, and analyzing them in representative states across the regions, as states assume an expanded role in delivering services to their populations under the 1999 constitution. Specifically, the study lays the groundwork for preparing a program of assistance to state governments, should the Federal Government seek financing from the Bank. Before capacity can be strengthened, the context for capacity building must be understood and the constraints analyzed. Thus the study focuses both on the evolving story of federalism in Nigeria, as well as the challenges states face in managing their finances and delivering services in the aftermath of misrule and decay under the military. Six states were selected for review: Bauchi, Nasarawa, Rivers, Anambra, Ogun and Sokoto--one from each of the geo-political zones of Nigeria. These are some of the principal findings: There is a great deal of variation across states in their capacity for governance. A new generation of state governors is emerging, albeit still a minority. Some are beginning to address public sector reform, through civil service modernization and right sizing, and strengthening financial management. These last are suggested areas for support, but they must be calibrated with the commitment to state reform, and not provided as an entitlement.
The United Republic of Tanzania : Decentralisation Sector Work
(Washington, DC, 2001-05-04) World Bank
The primary objectives of the Tanzania Decentralization Sector Work (DSW) are: To develop a strategic analysis of the decentralization process in Tanzania, commonly known as the Local Government Reform Programme (LGRP); and on this basis, to formulate proposals regarding a) the orientation of the World Bank towards the LGRP and the modalities of the Bank's potential involvement in the Programme, and b) appropriate responses by the Bank at the project level in those sectors affected by the LGRP. The DSW is intended to enhance the Bank's understanding of developments in the decentralization theme area and to optimize Bank decision-making regarding its involvement here. It also aims to assist the Bank in structuring its projects such that the impact of the decentralization process is taken into proper account.