Local Government Authorities In Tanzania Research Articles

Community Radios and Access to Information in Local Government Authorities in Tanzania

One of the challenges facing local government authorities in rural Tanzania is how to disseminate information to the citizens and obtain timely feedback. Decentralization which brings government close to the people was thought to increase information flow but empirical evidence proves otherwise. This paper sought investigated the contribution of emerging community radios in bridging information asymmetry in local government authorities. Data were collected through questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews. Results indicate that despite its popularity and coverage, very little information is disseminated through community radios due to lack of policy at LGAs level as well as conflicting national policies which still favor the center at the expense of local community approaches.

Quality of health service in the local government authorities in Tanzania: a perspective of the healthcare seekers from Dodoma City and Bahi District councils.

Improvement and access to quality healthcare are a global agenda. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-3) is committed to ensuring good health and well-being of the people by 2030. However, this commitment heavily depends on joint efforts by local authorities and the immediate service providers to communities. This paper is set to inform the status of health service provision in local authorities in Tanzania using the determinants for quality health services in Dodoma City and Bahi District. A cross-sectional research design was employed to collect data from 400 households in the Local Government Authorities. The five-service quality (SERVQUAL) dimensions of Parasuraman were adopted to gauge the quality of service in public healthcare facilities. Descriptive statistics were used to compute the frequency and mean of the demographic information and the quality of health services, respectively. A binary logistic regression model was used to establish the influence of the demographic dimensions on the quality of health services. The findings revealed that quality health services have not been realised for healthcare seekers. Further, the area of residence, education, and occupation are significantly associated with the perceived quality of health service delivery in the Local Government Authorities. The healthcare facilities under the LGAs offer services whose quality is below the healthcare seekers' expectations. The study recommends that the Local Government Authorities in Tanzania strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of health service delivery in public healthcare facilities.

The Effect of Revenue Collection Outsourcing Approach on Improving Murram Levy in Local Government Authorities in Tanzania

The study assessed the effect of revenue collection outsourcing approach on improving Murram levy in local government authorities in Tanzania. The study was conducted using explanatory design since knowledge generation was facilitated through causality testing approach with three predicting variables identified for testing. They include delays in agents’ payment, tax framework and the compliance by taxpayers which were tested on revenue collections as the dependent variable. Facts on the study were obtained in Dar es Salaam city since it is the area where Murram levy is obtained at higher rate and pace than other regions specifically in Temeke Municipality as the selected case as the local government authority. Primary data were used in facilitating knowledge gathering process with facts being collected using structured questionnaires from the sample of 50 participants as employees of the local government authority (LGA). The collected results were computed in SPSS software version 23 to obtain statistics to present the results. Multiple regression analysis was used to describe the results as the outcome on the relationship between study variables. Findings revealed that all three predicting variables namely delays in agent payment, tax framework and compliance were positive and significant statistically towards revenue collections. The implication is that revenue collections through outsourcing in Murram levy in local government authorities (LGAs) is affected with delays in agent payment, compliance and tax framework. It is therefore recommended that the authority should be keen to avoid delays and assure the framework is certain to assure compliance.

Perception of Quality Service Provision in Local Government Authorities in Tanzania: A Citizen Participation Perspective

Citizen participation is regarded as a process which provides private individuals an opportunity to influence public decisions and has long been a component of the democratic decision making process. The study sought to resolve the puzzle of citizen participation in Tanzania by attempting to decipher why public participation is said to be ample but the quality of health and education services provided is still perceived questionable. The study is conducted within the theoretical lens of the decentralization by devolution model and Stigler’s theory to come up with a more refined approach which envisages that increasing the number of actors in governance may probably help to resolve why decentralization by devolution does not necessarily lead to quality service delivery. The study is basically based on qualitative research design with the aim of seeking to get a deeper information regarding the issue in the two areas under study. The major findings of this study is that in instances where citizens effectively participated there were positive results but in most cases where citizens were not given chance to meaningfully participate dissatisfaction with the kind of social services provided by the government was high. Thus, strengthening local participation is an indispensable ingredient for successful provision of quality services to the citizens. The findings from this article make a valuable contribution towards understanding public participation strategies in both rural and urban areas so as to promote joint decision-making to provide effective and efficient service delivery. Consequently, recommendations are proposed to enhance quality social service provision through effective community engagement.

The Role of Computer Literacy Familiarity in the Adoption of e-Government by Public Sector Workers in Local Government Authorities: A Case of Kigamboni Municipal Council

Public sector workplaces, including local government authorities, have adopted e-Government in recent years to improve service delivery, enhance transparency, and foster citizen engagement. The objective of this research is to examine the impact of computer literacy on e-Government adoption in local government authorities in Tanzania with the focus being on the Kigamboni Municipal Council. A study is conducted to examine how computer literacy familiarity among public sector workers in local government authorities influences the adoption of e-Government. The study adopted the mixed method approach which involves both quantitative and qualitative data. The data was thus collected using interviews and questionnaires with the target population being employees at Kigamboni Municipal Council. Data was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. It is established in the research that the level of computer literacy and familiarity with technology among public sector workers plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of e-Government implementation. Inferential analysis showed that computer literacy drives e-government adoption. Computer literacy's impact on e-government adoption has a mean of 3.27 and a standard deviation of 1.26. E-government usage is similarly affected by computer proficiency, with a mean of 4.5 and SD of 1.40. Computer training is also essential for e-government adoption (Mean; 3.8 SD; 1.34). Computer literacy is both a crucial factor in e-government adoption and a key obstacle at Kigamboni Municipal Council (Mean; 3.1 and SD 1.41). This finding indicates that it would be advantageous for the government to continue implementing training programs with the goal of improving the skills of a majority of participants in utilizing e-Government platforms. The efficacy of e-Government implementation is heavily influenced by the extent of computer literacy and technological proficiency exhibited by public sector employees. The research findings also suggest that the degree of computer literacy possessed by an individual plays a crucial role in determining their proficiency in utilizing e-Government platforms and services. This proficiency encompasses various activities, including conducting transactions, using systems and accessing information via websites and portals. This finding suggests that there are potential benefits for the government in maintaining the implementation of training programs aimed at enhancing the proficiency of a majority of participants in utilizing e-government platforms.

Accelerated institutionalization ofan adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) intervention in Tanzania: Findings from a mixed-methods evaluation.

From 2018 to 2020, Adolescents 360 (A360), aiming to increase demand for and voluntary uptake of modern contraception among adolescent girls 15-19 years, designed and scaled an intervention in Tanzania (Kuwa Mjanja) to 13 regions through project-funded expansion. In 2020, the project began to develop a strategy for its follow-on phase, focusing on program sustainability. In this process, funder priorities led to a decision to exit A360's programming in Tanzania over a 15-month exit period. A360 elected to pursue a process of expedited institutionalization of Kuwa Mjanja into government systems during this period. The institutionalization process was facilitated in 17 local government authorities in Tanzania. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered and analyzed including time-trend analysis of routine performance data, statistical analysis of two rounds of client exit interviews, and thematic analysis of qualitative research. The sociodemographic characteristics of adolescent girls reached under government-led implementation were comparable to those reached by A360-led implementation. Intervention productivity decreased under government-led implementation but remained consistent. Adopter method mix shifted slightly toward greater long-acting and reversible contraceptive uptake under a government-led model. Factors that enabled successful institutionalization of Kuwa Mjanja included the presence of youth-supportive policies, the establishment of school clubs which provided sexual and reproductive health education, commitment of government stakeholders, and appreciation of adolescent pregnancy as a problem. Some intervention components were important for program effectiveness but proved difficult to institutionalize, primarily because of resource constraints. Lack of adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH)-focused targets and indicators disincentivized Kuwa Mjanja implementation. There is significant potential in operationalizing user-centered ASRH models within government structures, even in a narrow time frame. A360 saw similar performance under government-led implementation and fidelity to the unique experience that the program was designed to deliver for adolescent girls. However, beginning this process earlier presents greater opportunities, as some aspects of the institutionalization process that are critical to sustained impact, for example, shifting government policy and measurement and mobilizing government resources, require heavy coordination and long-term efforts. Programs pursuing institutionalization in a shorter time frame would benefit from setting realistic expectations. This may include prioritizing a smaller subset of program components that have the greatest impact.

A study on financial mechanisms used to manage public funds in the Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania

Local Government Authorities all over the world have experienced mismanagement of public funds for many years. However, it has been confirmed that financial mechanisms are the bases for proper performance of Local Government Authorities. What have been not clear are on mechanisms used to manage public funds in the local government authorities. This study aimed to map mechanisms used to manage public funds in the local government authorities in Tanzania. The study used purposive sampling techniques in selecting study areas and respondents. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used for analysis of data, but largely the qualitative approach was deployed. The study found that mechanisms such as financial laws, regulations and guidelines, segregation of duties, budget, technological systems, audit committee and frequent internal audit are mechanisms that local government authorities can use for management of public funds in Tanzania. The implication of this study is that, for proper management of public funds of any Local Government authority, financial mechanism is needed. The study recommends that, the Director of the local government authorities to abide by the existing financial mechanisms to control financial irregularities. This will also reduce audit queries and control leakage of public funds in the local government authorities.

Team Work Practices and Employee Performance in Local Government Authorities in Tanzania

This paper examined the effects of team work practices on employee performance of local government authorities in Tanzania. The specific objectives were to; determine the influence of shared vision, employee respect, employee ethics, collective decision, team level trust, intrapersonal skills and team cohesiveness on employee performance in LGAs. The study used multiple regression analysis to test the set hypotheses and construct the model. The study was based on cross-sectional survey design in which the quantitative approach was used to collect and analyse data from 368 employees. Research data was collected using a structured survey questionnaire as a research instrument where both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to arrive at conclusions. The study findings showed that shared vision, intrapersonal skills, trust and cohesiveness had the statistically positive and significant relationship between teamwork practice and employee performance. Further, findings revealed that shared decision, respect and workplace ethics were statistically insignificant. The study concluded that LGAs should create an environment that assists shared decision, respect and workplace ethics since this in turn will increase performance of employees. The study recommends team work practices be considered as part of organisations strategy to improve employee performance.

Internal Audit Attributes on the Performance of Projects in Local Government Authorities in Tanzania

This study examined the attributes of internal audit on the performance of the projects in Local Government Authorities in Tanzania, in the way projects are operated and managed, based on the prevailed internal control systems. The role of an internal audit is to ensure the entity provides independent assurance towards risk management, governance and internal controls of the entity. In Tanzania, the Performance of projects are inadequate regardless of massive investments done by the Government. Internal control systems are not strong enough to ensure the performance of projects is compounded at paramount. Hence internal control systems should be addressed to cater the inadequate performance of projects in Local Government. Through examination of the attributes of internal audit work and the performance of projects in Local Government authorities in Tanzania, the study revealed that internal audit had positive influence on the performance of projects. This implied that a unit change in internal audit will increase project performance by the rate of 0.168. Therefore, the study showed that there is a significant direct relationship of internal audit and the performance of the projects in Local Government Authorities. Quantitative data, Likert scale, and multiple linear regression model was used under the study. Likert scales from questionnaires were used whereby data was analyzed by using SPSS V.26 software. These software packages have features that accommodate variables under the study and they are user–friendly. The study concluded that a great use of value-added strategies (rather than consecutive strategies) in audit results to greater performance of the projects implemented into various Local Government Authorities in Tanzania.

The Adopted Strategic Management Practices on Governance of LGAs in Tanzania

Purpose: Local Government Authorities are constantly implementing activities directed from central government by means of decentralization to enhance governance in resource allocation and service deliverance. This has made councils to engage in SMPs in order to continue and achieve their targeted goals. This study aims to explore Strategic Management Practices adopted by Local Government Authorities in Tanzania.
 Methodology: The study adopted diagnostic survey design by taking into account all steps involved in survey studies to obtain important data concerning Strategic Management Practices adopted in Local Government Authorities. Both simple and purposive sampling were employed to determine the study sample of 351 staff council who participated in implementation of Strategic Management Practices. Questionnaire, interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used to collect the information from the respondents. Descriptive analysis was used to compute frequencies and percentage, while content analysis was used to analyze the main themes from key informants. The study selected Mufindi District Council as a case study to explore the Strategic Management Practices adopted.
 Findings: Finding of the study found councils undertaking situational analysis, formulation of strategic plan and performance review. Furthermore, finding revealed that councils are equipped with different strategic models in developing strategic plan particularly SWOT analysis and balanced scorecard. It was further found that management, institutional and resource factors have significantly influenced the councils’ decision to adopt SMPs through strategic models.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that successfully strategy implementation can be achieved when councils allocates all required resources with effective monitoring of the activities.

Effectiveness of Strategic Management Practices on Governance of Local Government Authorities in Tanzania

Purpose: Adoption of Strategic Management Practices play a significant role in improving governance of Local Government Authorities and enhances good service deliverance at grassroot level. The Local Government and Central Government have been working collating to ensure that staffs are committed to implement strategic management plan. The results of this study will help practitioners, policy maker’s government staff and appointed leaders to opt corrective decisions in formulation, implementation and evaluation of strategic plan of the council. This could result into achievement of the council goal and hence performance improvement.
 Methodology: The study used content analysis and non-parametric analysis to determine the significant changes in accountability and transparency before 2015 and during the 2015/2020. Mixed methods approach were adopted where simple random sampling was used to obtain sample size using Israel formula and purposive sampling was to obtain key informants for interview. Multiple methods were used to collect data and triangulate the information for reporting the findings of the cases obtained in the study area. Quantitative data were mainly collected through questionnaire from sample size of 351 respondents (85%), interview method used to collect data from 63 (15%) key informants and documentary review was used to triangulate and acknowledge the cases emerged from the study findings. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS v.20.
 Findings: Governance of Local Government Authority was measured by assessing accountability, strategic plan, implementation plan, monitoring and evaluation, specialization, work plan delivered, council chart, transparency and planning linked with and budgeting. It is recommended that trainings, implementation sensing, follow-ups, efficient working resulted to efficient Strategic Management Practices and achievement of council overall goal. The study experienced a significant improvement in both accountability and transparency in 2015-2020 implementation of strategic plans based on estimated budget by the Council.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommend that a written strategic plan should be referenced by staff in ensuring implementation of the assigned duties to achieve the stated objectives based on planned activities and resources allocated with maximum commitment to all departments.

Relationship between Working Environments and Employees Performance in Local Government Authorities: A Case of Bahi District Council, Tanzania

The study examined the Relationship between Working Environment and performance at Local Government Authorities in Bahi District Council, Tanzania. The study adopted the descriptive study design and quantitative research approach using the sample of 68 employees and six heads of departements. A self-administered questionnaire was employed as a tool for data collection where by both groups filled the questionnaire. The study used the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyse data whereby descriptive and inferential statistic were employed to process findings. The study establishes that employee performance was moderate as majority agreed on high revenue growth and customer satisfaction while the majority were not sure on customer retention effectiveness and profit margin. Current working environment was moderate as majority agreed on transport, communication and safe working environment while some disagreed on ventilation and office space. Ventilation and safe working environment had a significant positive effect on performance. Based on findings, it is recommended the government should allocate sufficient funds to maintain and potentially improve working conditions at Bahi District Council. Secondly, the PO-RALG should adopt the application of transformational leadership style in all Local Government Authorities in Tanzania, which will help to provide proper direction for enhancement of working environment that in turn will improve the performance. Finally, the PO-RALG should look for and allocate sufficient funds for building proper offices in Bahi District Council so as to provide good ventilation and safe working environment for employees.

Heads of departments' managerial skills and performance of local government departments: Evidence from seventeen selected local government authorities in Tanzania

Local Government Authorities (LGAs) all over the world have experienced poor performance for many years. However, it has been confirmed that managerial skills are the bases for proper performance of Departments in the Local Government Authorities. What have been not clear are the influence of managerial skills on the performance of Local Government Departments in Tanzania. This study examined the influence of managerial skills on performance of selected Local Government Departments in Tanzania. The study used cross-sectional research design and purposive sampling techniques in selecting study areas and respondents. Data were collected through questionnaire (main instrument) from 290 Heads of Departments in selected Local Government Authorities in Tanzania. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis and Structural Equation Modelling was applied during data analysis. The study was guided by Management Competency Theory. The study found that managerial skills in terms of Administrative and technical skills had significant effect on the performance of selected Local Government departments in Tanzania. This study has also implications for practitioners (Heads of Departments). On the one hand, like previous research, study findings show that in order to achieve proper performance, LGAs should provide capacity building to their personnel (HoDs) in areas of financial management and technical skills. In addition, managerial skills significantly influence revenue target and service delivery to the community. Thus, in order to improve performance of LGAs, the study concludes by recommending that for someone to be appointed as a Head of Department of LGAs in Tanzania, they must have managerial and technical skills related to financial matters for proper implementation of departmental operations and programmes and this should be part and parcel of the LGAs strategy and policy. The study also recommends that, the Local Authorities Accounts Committee (LAAC) to abide by the existing legal frameworks to control financial irregularities in the Departments of LGA and promote service delivery to the community. This will also reduce audit queries and control leakage of public funds in the LGAs.

Explaining procurement performance in Local Government Authorities in Tanzania: Do external environmental factors matter?

This study examines the extent to which political, legal, and social environmental factors influence procurement performance in local government. To meet the study objective the quantitative approach and cross-sectional survey design were used in data collection and analysis. The study used both descriptive and inferential analysis. The data were collected from 92 procurement practitioners of the local government authorities. The findings revealed that the legal environment and political environment attributes significantly affect procurement performance in local government. Conversely, social attributes in procurement functions do not predict the procurement performance of local government. This study has extended the application of systems theory in public procurement to the Tanzania context. The policymakers and practitioners of local government are required to be aware of the various external environmental factors and how each factor influences its performance.

Influence of Budgetary Practices on Budget Performance of Local Government Authorities in Tanzania

The local government authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania were restarted in 1980 and since then the government has gone in different programs of reforming them. However, the implementation of budget in LGAs in Tanzania is failing to produce intended outcomes. This study investigates effects of budgetary practices on budget performance of LGAs in Tanzania. The study used survey research design carried out at Ilala Municipal Council. Data collected using questionnaire was subjected to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23 for running the quantitative analysis. The research adopted Exploratory Factor Analysis (KMO and Bartlett's Test of Sphericity), simple regression analysis and correlation analysis to investigate the influence of budgetary practices (measured by budget planning, participatory budget and budget execution) on budget performance (supported by efficiency and effectiveness) of LGAs in Tanzania. Findings of the study indicate that budget planning, participatory budget and budget execution are directly related and they have close relationship with budgetary performance. Among the three budgetary practices tested, it was found that budget planning is a significant driver of budget performance. This study has implication to various stakeholders and actors alongside budget operations especially in Tanzania as well as the research community, where it provides new insights relating to budget practices and performance metrics that can be used to accelerate budget performance of LGAs. Decision makers in LGAs should put more emphasis on enforcing policies that improve performance of budget operations by addressing the benefits and weakness experienced in the past.

The Effects of Users Participation on the Internal Control Systems on Performance of Projects in Local Government Authorities in Tanzania

The Effects of Users Participation on the Internal Control Systems on Performance of Projects in Local Government Authorities in Tanzania

Challenges Affecting Effective Implementation of Financial Management Information Systems in Local Government Authorities in Tanzania as Part of the Digital Ecosystem

This study examined the obstacles to the efficient implementation of the Financial Management Information System (FMIS) by Tanzanian local government authorities. To formulate and test the dependency of variables, the researchers used both descriptive and inferential statistics, including a chi-square test. According to the findings, FMIS deployment faces technical, user, and organizational-related challenges. The study recommended that the Tanzanian government, through the Ministries of Finance and Planning, President’s Office Regional Administration, and Local Government Authorities, continue to offer a full commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of FMIS by guaranteeing the constant supply of electricity in all district councils; the supply of modern computing machines; good organizational management; as well as staff facilitation and motivation. In addition to the internal workforce, the engagement of qualified firms and consultants from the private sector to assist with the implementation of successful change management is strongly advised.

Inter-Governmental Relations Between Central Government And Local Government Authorities In Tanzania

Tanzania in embarking the decentralization by devolution policy (D by D) as a mechanism of facilitating quick development process through the involvement of people from grass root levels has been carried out through the inter-government relations between the central government and the local government authorities (LGAs). Throughout its implementation there had been a supportive structural set up, including a constitutional mandate for local governments. Also, there has been an increased recognition of LGAs by central and sector ministries as partners rather than subordinate structures. However, the lack of a clear and effective institutional framework to govern the implementation of D by D and the lack of a shared understanding of D by D across ministries and other governmental institutions has made led to structural confusion between the Central government and the Local Government Authorities. Thus, this paper explores the undertakings of the inter-government relations between the central government and the local government authorities (LGAs) in order to forge a way forward for a inclusive and responsive governance in the country.

Attributes of the internal audit function and effectiveness of internal audit services: evidence from local government authorities in Tanzania

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how the level of attributes of the internal audit function relates to the effectiveness of internal audit services in local government authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachData have been collected through a survey whereby 510 respondents from LGAs in Tanzania through their Heads of Internal Audit Functions, Internal Auditors and Chairpersons of Audit Committees respond to the questionnaire. The data were subjected to principal component analysis and exploratory factor analysis to reduce the set of items and to provide continuous scores for use in multiple regression analyses.FindingsThe findings reveal that audit quality; organization setting and auditee attributes have a significant positive influence on the effectiveness of internal audit services in LGAs in Tanzania.Research limitations/implicationsThe study covered only LGAs in Tanzania. Future research in this field should address the gaps identified in the study.Practical implicationsThis paper highlights areas that need management attention on the improvement of the effectiveness of internal audit units.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature of both internal auditing and management studies by linking the level of attributes of internal audit function which are audit quality, organization setting, auditee attributes and effectiveness of internal audit services in Tanzania.

IN SEARCH OF A LINK BETWEEN FISCAL DECENTRALIZATION AND FISCAL AUTONOMY IN SERVICE DELIVERY IN URBAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES IN TANZANIA

This article investigates the link between fiscal decentralization and fiscal autonomy in service delivery particularly in urban LocalGovernment Authorities in Tanzania. In the past two decades, Tanzania government adopted fiscal decentralization reforms as partof broad local government reform program. The reforms include the transfer of fiscal power to local governments to collect and spendtheir own revenues but also to enjoy discretionary intergovernmental transfers from central government. On the contrary, local government authorities particularly in urban areas have not achieved the intended goal of the reforms. Most of the LGAs lack adequate fiscal autonomy to address the growing demand of urban services and infrastructure. Although there is already substantial amount of research explaining fiscal decentralization in Tanzania, most of this literature focuses on the limited revenue base of local government and lack of effective intergovernmental transfers. Overall, there is very little which is known concerning institutional factors which play a role when it comes to decision making on the allocation of fiscal resources to local government. The objective of this paper was therefore two folds: first to identify the current state of fiscal decentralization in two LGAs selected for this research and second was to explore the institutional factors which determine the allocation of fiscal resources in the selected urban LGAs in Tanzania. In addressing this objective, the comparative case study design was adopted namely: Kinondoni Municipal Council in Dar es Salaam region and Tunduma Town Council in Songwe region in Tanzania. The sample of 60 respondents was drawn purposely from the two cases and the data from the sampled respondents were collected through the review of documents, in-depth interviews andfocus group discussion with officials in the selected urban LGAs. The collected data were finally analyzed through contents analysis for documentary review and thematic analysis for the interviews and focus group discussion. The research findings show that the degree of fiscal autonomy has substantially deteriorated in the past six years due to excessive central government guidelines and directives which regulate expenditure and revenue generation by local government. This includes the conditions on the allocation of fiscal resources such as budget or the use of intergovernmental transfers from central government.