Participatory Planning and Budgeting in Local Authorities: The Case of Makoni District, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study sought to establish participatory planning and budgeting mechanisms in Local Authorities in order to enhance the level of awareness and civic engagement in governance issues as a way of promoting democracy and development. It draws on the experience of Makoni Rural District Council. The research provided a systematic analysis of a range of experiences which were shared to enhance participatory planning and budgeting. It also established the extent of control and mode of involvement of local citizens, the relationship with local government, the degree of institutionalisation and the sustainability of the planning and budgeting processes. In this study, a total of 56 out of the targeted 62 respondents were used as the research subjects, which is 90% of respondents reached. The respondents included one Chief, 3 Village heads, 3 Councillors, 4 School development Committee (SDCs) Chairpersons, 3 Village development Committees (VIDCOs), 2 Ward Development Committees (WADCOs), one Youth group, one Women group, one District Administrator, one Chief Executive Officer of Makoni Rural district council, one District Education Officer and one District Head with Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development. Purposive sampling was used to identify the two wards out of a total of 39. The researcher used Focus Group Discussion (FGDs), self-administered questionnaires, observation and had some key informants who completed some questionnaires. The enactment of the Rural District Councils Act Chapter 29:13 was one way government ensured Local Authorities were given powers to plan, budget and implement activities relevant to their particular districts. Another statute is the Traditional Leaders Act Chapter 29:17, which gives power to the traditional leaders to participate in development activities through the village and ward assemblies. The study showed that while there are institutions and systems in place, sub district structures are not functional and citizen’s engagement in planning and budgeting is rather weak.