Decentralisation by devolution in Tanzania: Reflections on community involvement in the planning process in Kizota Ward in Dodoma

L. Massoi¹ and A. S. Norman²*

¹Mzumbe University, Dar es Salaam Business School, P. O. Box  20266 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

²Faculty of Business and Economics, Tumaini University of Tanzania, P. O. Box 200 Iringa, Tanzania.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: adamsonnorman@yahoo.com.

Accepted 19 October, 2009

   Abstract

This paper provides a discussion on Decentralization-by-Devolution (D-by- D) in planning process in Tanzania a focus being on Kizota ward in Dodoma. The paper provides findings on how grassroots level is involved in preparing the three years strategic plan and its implications towards solving socio-economic problems at grassroots level. The study employed a combined research design where case study design and mini –survey designs were used. Questionnaires, In-depth interviews and intensive documentary reviews were used for data collection purposes. The findings from the Kizota ward in Dodoma municipality   revealed that although the government has done a commendable work in implementing D-by-D, its contribution in planning process at grassroots level is still minimal and ineffective. The mitaa residents were not involved in the planning process; rather they were involved in the implementation of the centrally made plans that did not include their priorities.

Key words: Decentralization, devolution and grassroots involvement.