The Process of Decentralization in Gambella Region: A Comparative Study of Godere and Mengeshe Woredas in Majang Zone

Abstract

This research proposal was concerned with the process and assessment of implementation of woreda decentralization in Gambella Peoples National Regional State with particular emphasis to Godere and Mngashe woredas. It attempted to provide a modest preliminary investigation on community participation and service delivery trends of education and health services the two woredas. Finally, the study were tried to illustrate some of the major inherent and encountered problems and the possible prospects of the program. To meet the above objectives, the research was employed both qualitative and quantitative. Comparative study approach was used. Both primary and secondary data sources were used in gathering pertinent information. The technique of collecting primary data includes questionnaires, indepth interviews at regional, woreda and kebele levels, focus group discussions with the community and personal observation and document investigation. Secondary sources were published and unpublished materials such as books, different reports and manuals of the woreda. Comparative method of analysis is used to analyze the primary and secondary data. The study found out that decentralization in general and woreda decentralization in service delivery in particular had not been implemented adequately due to several reasons. It is challenged by many problems such as inadequate devolution of power, limited decisions-making authority and autonomy transferred to local governments, absence of political will and commitment to devolve power in real sense, lack of legal and institutional framework, poor inter-governmental relations and weak coordination with different stakeholders, upward accountability and absence of transparency in the operation of local governments, shortage of resources (skilled human power and material), limited administrative, institutional and technical local capacities, weak budgeting and expenditure administration, poor and weak public sector service deliveries. Regarding participation, there is low level of community participation in different sectors at the stage of problem identification, prioritization of needs, planning processes and decision making activities at woreda and kebele levels.