Impact of devolution funds on service delivery in local authorities. Case study of MRDC

Author

Marimba Emmanuel

Title

Impact of devolution funds on service delivery in local authorities. Case study of MRDC

Abstract

The study was an analysis of impact devolution funds in local authorities on service delivery in Zimbabwe rural communities using Mutare Rural District Council as case study. It looks at the patterns of council service delivery and local citizen’s access to these services being financed by devolution funds. The study hypothesises that there is significant relationship between devolution funds and service delivery. The study argues that devolution funds in rural local authorities affects service delivery in rural district councils. The major research objectives of the study were to determine the influence of devolution funds on service delivery; to explore the key success factors which affect implementation of devolution funds; and to establish challenges in use of devolution funds. Research methods involved both theoretical review and empirical study based on the case study, qualitative an exploratory approaches. On design, data and methodology, the study adopted descriptive research design on a sample size of 40 participants with the questionnaire and the interview as the main data collection instruments. As interview guides, observations, secondary data and primary data were the data collection tools involved in the study, various simple random sampling methods where used in order to get responses from various individuals. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 were used to analyse data which was then presented using tables. The findings revealed that utilisation of devolution funds has got various rations, merits, challenges and hence recommendation being proffered. Various challenges are hindering the utilisation of devolution funds like corruption, political interference, limitations on human resources, and weaknesses in the internal structure and processes. The researcher suggested that Mutare Rural District Council create a budget, apply financing and increase civic involvement.

Date

June 2023

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Funds

Impact

Service Delivery

Supervisor

N/A