September-December 2006 SWAP Joint Learning Event1
train4dev
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
train4dev
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
train4dev
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
train4dev
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
train4dev
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
train4dev
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