September-December 2006 SWAP Joint Learning Event1

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Training for Development

DECENTRALISED SECTORAL APPROACHES?

September-December 2006 SWAP Joint Learning Event2

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Training for Development

Tensions in decentralisation

• Functional and political dimensions,

• «Center regulating, local level implementing» - reality differs

• Autonomy of local level vs. control by central government

• Accountability: downward first vs. upward first (where are service delivery objectives set?)

• Fiscal decentralisation must match administrative decentralisation

• Need for strong local governments but also need for a strong centre

September-December 2006 SWAP Joint Learning Event3

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Training for Development

International experiences• Autonomy and downward accountability is difficult without a

degree of fiscal autonomy (locally generated revenue)

• No matter how great the autonomy, some form of upward accountability is always present

• Design of system of fiscal transfers is shaping/shaped by decisions on how upward accountability is organised (sectoral or overall)

• Funds must accompany functions (functional assignment…)

• Support to decentralisation can be programme-based

• Sector programme support tends to overlook decentralisation

September-December 2006 SWAP Joint Learning Event4

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Training for Development

Policy and planning processes

• Deepen knowledge and understanding of sector policies at local level (incl. elected councils)

• Ensure that districts are represented in sector policy dialogues (domestic processes as well as joint reviews, thematic groups…)

• Clarify central-local functional assignments and linkages, ensure consistency across sectors

• Clarify financing of functions now and in future; both recurrent and investment…

• Avoid proliferation of local government financing mechanisms

September-December 2006 SWAP Joint Learning Event5

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Training for Development

Medium and short term budget preparation, district

PFM• Sector ceilings within district ceilings?

District MTEF/budget process to include sectors or

• District ceilings within sector ceilings? Sector MTEF/budget process to include districts…

• Calendar: Steps, inputs (ceilings), outputs (draft and final budgets with projections) …

• Integral strengthening of local PFM capacity

September-December 2006 SWAP Joint Learning Event6

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Training for Development

Capacity Development

• Clarify bottom-up, top-down and horizontal drivers for and constraints to capacity development

• Clarify capacity development responsibilities and linkages: local government organisations, sectors, cross-cutting ministries

• Ensure coordination/complementarity between capacity development efforts – who has authority?

• If progression (greater capacity greater autonomy): who is responsible for assessment?

September-December 2006 SWAP Joint Learning Event7

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Training for Development

Accountability & performance monitoring

• Who defines which targets, and how is consistency with national objectives ensured

• Streamline possible performance contracts & all reporting & monitoring mechanisms

• Ensure upward accountability mechanisms also strengthen local accountability…

• Accountability/reporting to district council: local financing and mandate only, or all government activities in district?

• Who is in charge of consistency in approaches across sectors?

September-December 2006 SWAP Joint Learning Event8

train4dev

Training for Development

Harmonisation and alignment

• Do no harm… Avoid new separate financing mechanisms

• Support «mapping» of interventions and overall pattern of resource flows

• Ensure horizontal presence in sector programme dialogue structures