Local authorities and their partners can use the information generated by the LGB to compare local performance with that at other locations, or in other sectors. If they decide to take specific actions to address shortcomings, they also have a basis for monitoring improvements. During 2007, the LGB revealed that civil society’s perceptions about local performance in equity and participation was much lower in one local municipality than in the other municipalities within Limpopo Province. After reviewing the results, two priority areas for action have been identified. Addressing civil society negative’s perceptions through improved communication and partnership with the sector in governance and service delivery. Strengthening the capacity of municipal councilors and officials to provide quality services and monitor levels of client satisfaction. All the municipalities in Limpopo Province that applied the LGB have been able to identify gaps in knowledge, skills and other capabilities which will need to be addressed if they are to attain the standards of performance expected after the ongoing review and reform of the public sector in South Africa. |
Feedback from Tanzania: “I can no longer pretend that I don’t know anything about accountability.” Deputy Chair, Mvomero District Council |
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| Enhancing Participation |
The amount of information that people have determines their ability to participate effectively in local governance and development activities. The LGB process addresses the information needs of different stakeholders by exposing them to information about local governance mechanisms and processes that they are unlikely to find through other means.
Information is empowering. At many sites of LGB implementation, particularly within Cameroon, it has been noted that women lack the social status and individual confidence to defend their opinions during stakeholder forums. In the same way, appointed officials are often wary of challenging decisions made by elected councilors or central government appointees. Through the LGB, these actors can gain access to information that places them in a better position to participate actively: arguing their case and negotiating for their special interests. |  |
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Improving Relationships and Fostering Partnerships |
The LGB is implemented in a way that that breaks down some of the barriers between key actors-by increasing interaction, empathy and trust among them. As they share information and debate about criteria, standards and values, local actors begin to appreciate alternative perspectives on governance within their area or sector.
The LGB orientation and design workshops are often the first opportunity that some of these actors have had to interact and debate with each other. For example, before introduction of the LGB within Mvomero District of Tanzania, there was very little contact between the district council and the civil society organizations engaged in primary education. The LGB process has helped to dissipate some of the apathy and mistrust that existed among the actors. As a result, the different actors are now more familiar with each others’ roles and capabilities. The district council has begun to cooperate with some of the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on issues related to capacity building and service delivery. |
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Addressing Geographic and Sectoral Priorities |
Whether it is used to assess governance performance across a geographic area or within a specified sector, the LGB generates useful results, with implications for capacity building interventions.
Within South Africa, the main aim of LGB application has been to help the municipal authorities and their affiliates in four provinces develop the capacity for reform; by analyzing current performance and identifying needs and options for capacity reinforcement. Within Cameroon, the focus has been on identifying the capacities required by rural and urban municipal councils to institutionalize the reforms consistent with decentralized governance and service delivery. The LGB is also useful at larger geographic scales. In Madagascar, the LGB has been applied to measure performance in terms of forest sector governance at a national level. In Tanzania, one application focuses on primary education within a district. The aim of LGB application is to identify the capacities that should be strengthened to improve governance and overall performance within this priority sector. In Ghana, plans are underway to apply the LGB in order to identify key performance standards and indicators for the National Health Insurance scheme within several districts, and devise the appropriate capacity building plan. |
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| | ASSESSING LOCAL GOVERNANCE PERFORMANCE IN EDUCATION MVOMERO DISTRICT TANZANIA | | |
Education in MVOMERO District |
Education is among the priority areas for development in Mvomero District of Tanzania where the delivery of primary education is largely managed and funded by the government.
Since it was established in 2005, Mvomero District Council has faced the challenges of determining how best to manage resources allocated to primary education, and monitor and assess performance within this sub-sector.
The data and information collected during previous performance assessments is not sector-specific and, therefore, of limited value for decision making and performance assessment.
There was very little contact between the district council and the civil society organizations engaged in primary education. This partly explains why the council tended to focus on the technical aspects of service delivery, and fell short of communities’ expectations for access, quality and accountability in education.
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MVOMERO District and the LGB |
In 2006, SNV staff introduced Mvomero District Council to the Local Governance Barometer (LGB).
The district council agreed to test the approach with the aim of identifying the capacities that should be strengthened to improve governance of primary education and overall performance within this sub-sector.
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The LGB process in MVOMERO |
The pilot application of the LGB in Mvomero District has involved representatives of the district council, relevant government ministries, and the few non-state actors involved in primary education.
During a two-day workshop held in late 2006, these stakeholders participated in a process to identify the criteria which reflect the local characteristics of governance within the primary education sub-sector.
The workshop participants produced a draft local model of the LGB based on the five widely accepted criteria of good governance that compose the LGB Core model: effectiveness, accountability, participation, equity, and the rule of law.
The draft local model also incorporates performance standards that reflect the priorities and values of the stakeholders.
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| | “I can no longer pretend that I don’t know anything about accountability.”Deputy Chair , Mvomero District Council “LGB for President!” Chairlady, Mvomero Parent Teachers Association | | |
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