District Level Decentralization and Public Service Delivery in Ethiopia: Cases from Amhara region.

Abstract

This study assessed how decentralization facilitates public service delivery in Enbse Sarmidir and Dejen Districts of Amhara Region. The assessment was conducted in selected public services: education, health, water supply and rural roads in light of the services delivered before and after the district level decentralization process began.  Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected from 18 key sector office and district administration heads through interviews whereas secondary data were collected from planning and performance reports, financial and human power reports and other related sources. The findings indicated that the overall performances of the delivery of services have shown significant improvements after decentralization. However, the improvements were constrained by lack of financial and human resources and problems of coordination and participation. The study also revealed that sustainable and effective decentralized public service delivery does not only depend on institutional and human resources capacity building at local level, but also a functional financial mechanism, clear and appropriate allocation of roles and responsibilities.

Keywords: District, Decentralisation, Public Service, Service Delivery