Devolution of Power and Woreda or District Development in Benshangul Gumuz Regional State: The Case of Metkel Zone (North West Ethiopia)

Authors

Aldo Morka Atnafu, Assosa University, EthiopiaFollow

Abstract

Decentralized governance offers opportunities for achieving development through good governance and community participation at the grass root level (Ayenew, 2007). Ethiopia has adopted two phases of decentralization, namely decentralizing of power from the federal government to the regional level and from the regional to the woreda level (Gebre-Egziabher & Berhanu, 2007). Thus, this study has aimed at assessing the effect of the woreda level decentralization on the development of the Metekel zone. In particular, it examines the nature of political, administrative and fiscal decentralization in woredas. The study was conducted in two selected woreda, Bulen and Mandura. Data were collected from primary sources with the help of questionnaires, interviews and observations. The primary data were also supported by secondary documents such as federal and regional constitutions, proclamations, regulations, local development plans, official performance reports, and magazines. The study revealed that woreda level decentralization actually has influenced development at the grass root level in the Metekel zone in general. Better infrastructural provisions (education and health) were witnessed in the woredas. This is due to better community participation in the decision-making process and availability of opportunities to express their interest. Though, more is expected, the financial capacity of woredas has also registered progress. The shortage of qualified manpower and weak community participation in development activities were other factors that have impacted the further performance of woredas.Decentralized governance offers opportunities for achieving development through good governance and community participation at the grass root level (Ayenew, 2007). Ethiopia has adopted two phases of decentralization, namely decentralizing of power from the federal government to the regional level and from the regional to the woreda level (Gebre-Egziabher & Berhanu, 2007). Thus, this study has aimed at assessing the effect of the woreda level decentralization on the development of the Metekel zone. In particular, it examines the nature of political, administrative and fiscal decentralization in woredas. The study was conducted in two selected woreda, Bulen and Mandura. Data were collected from primary sources with the help of questionnaires, interviews and observations. The primary data were also supported by secondary documents such as federal and regional constitutions, proclamations, regulations, local development plans, official performance reports, and magazines. The study revealed that woreda level decentralization actually has influenced development at the grass root level in the Metekel zone in general. Better infrastructural provisions (education and health) were witnessed in the woredas. This is due to better community participation in the decision-making process and availability of opportunities to express their interest. Though, more is expected, the financial capacity of woredas has also registered progress. The shortage of qualified manpower and weak community participation in development activities were other factors that have impacted the further performance of woredas.

Recommended Citation

Atnafu, Aldo Morka (2017) "Devolution of Power and Woreda or District Development in Benshangul Gumuz Regional State: The Case of Metkel Zone (North West Ethiopia)," International Journal of African Development: Vol. 4: Iss. 2, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ijad/vol4/iss2/5