District level decentralization program in Irob Woreda of Tigray Region: Implementation, challenges and prospects

Abstract

Decentralization entails the transfer of power, from central government to sub-national levels of government. As a result many  supporters of the program including donors consider it as a mechanism of achieving a number of different aims. Although there are  some research works that show local governments are facing challenges in practicing and instituting viable Woreda administrations with  the requisite capacity for self-governance and local economic development, studies however, are not a full-fledged and not all  comprehensive and common in perspective,considering the different perceptions about the program. Therefore, by employing a case  study research strategy, this study attempted to assess the implementation of the District Level Decentralization Program (DLDP) in Irob  Woreda, including the challenges and prospects. Findings generally showedthat the DLDP is neither institutionalized norgoverned by the  principles of reciprocity. The inter-governmental relationship is particularistic and private, and anchored only loosely in public law or community norms. Besides local capacities, financial and administrative issues were found to be very limited in the area, and the lack of  real political autonomy, finance and skilled man power were the major issues limiting the district’ level decentralization process.