An Assessment of Woreda Capacity: the Case of Gindeberet and Abuna Gindeberet Woredas in Oromia National Regional State
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Date
2012-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This research assesses woreda capacity in Gindeberet and Abuna Gindeberet Woreda of West
Shoa Zone Oromia National Regional State since the implementation of District Level
Decentralization Program. To this end, the research has assessed the human resource, financial,
managerial, facility capacity as well as the extent to which enabling work environment and
community participation is available. In order to achieve these objectives, qualitative and
quantitative research approaches were used. Furthermore, to generate qualitative and
quantitative data primary and secondary sources were employed. Key informant interview,
questionnaires, and focus group discussions were used as primary sources whereas financial
and human resource reports and other relevant documents were used as secondary sources. Both
probability and non-probability sampling techniques were employed.
The finding of the study indicated that the capacity building program which was launched to
address the problem of rural woredas has not brought about significant changes or could not
bring about the desired change though there are some improvements in terms of community
participation, service delivery and responsiveness to customers. It has also empowered woreda
civil servants to provide decisions on their own. However, constraints of resources and its
utilization, lack of conducive work condition, lack of strong political leadership and
commitment, and lack of governance system have been identified as factors responsible for the
ineffectiveness of the program. Accordingly, the study found out among other things, problem of
adequate and competent human resources as well as lack of managerial capacity. Furthermore,
woredas have limited financial and human resource autonomy as well as lack autonomy to set
priority and targets. Besides, low revenue generating capacity has forced woredas to heavily
rely on block grant from the regional government. Moreover, the overall work environment was
not conducive and attractive as inter alia organizational structures were unclear, unstable and
complex as well as there was weak coordination and communication among local governance
actors. The level of the participation of the community in matters affecting their life was found
not to the desired level.
It is therefore, generally recommended that for the capacity building effort to be materialized
and achieve the desired objectives, there is a need to fulfill the following conditions that
enhances the successful implementation of the program, viz. availability of resources and proper
utilization, strong political leadership and commitment, enabling work environment and the
governance system has to be improved
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Keywords
Oromia national, Regional state