Exploring the Effect of E-governance on Local Government Service Improvement in Malawi: Case of using IFMIS.

Abstract

E-government has been accepted worldwide as a tool for improved service delivery and sustainable development, but few studies have delved unto the secret behind its success, especially in least developed countries like Malawi. This study examines how e-governance (IFMIS) improves local government service delivery in Malawi. This qualitative study examined 25 in-person interviews at Malawi's Ministry of Local Government, Unity, and Culture using NVIVO 14.23.1.38, a computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) based on qualitative research reporting standards (QRRS). Purposive random sampling was applied to select respondents. The study found that IFMIS influenced governance structural changes and recruitment of Information Systems Officers (MISOs) for technical support and enhanced information, service, and system quality (ISSQ). It was further found that e-governance improves local government service delivery by controlling budget over-expenditure, easy data retrieval, control corruption, and improved reporting times, though the effect was insignificant due to various socioeconomic challenges. The current governance structure holds the DC accountable to all other ministries at the district level, and all heads from other ministries report to the DC operationally and technically reports to their mother ministries (dual reporting). These findings illuminate the secret and interventions that makes e-governance an effective tool for improved public service delivery.

Keywords: E-governance (EGOV); IFMIS; Local Government; Public Service Delivery

DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/15-1-08

Publication date: April 30^th 2025