Abebe, Mulugeta (PhD)Daba, Nigussie2018-10-022023-11-182018-10-022023-11-182007-08http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/12383The purpose of this study was to assess the peiformance of capacity building activities and examine the implementing capacity of decentralized local governance. The study was conducted in Adami Tulu Jido woreda and Ziway town. Comparative study with cross sectional survey was used in the study to compare the two local governments. Descriptive survey method of analysis was also employed to achieve the objectives of the study. The subjects of the study were civil servants and cabinet members of the two local governments. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the civil servants and cabinet members. In addition focus group discussions and interviews were also conducted with about 24 individuals. Data were analyzed through quantitative and qualitative methods. The statistical method used to analyze the quantitative data was percentage. The results reveal that even though the local governments have been given a wide range of responsibilities and powers in terms of planning and prioritizing their local needs, their implementing capacity is very weak. Human resource in both local governments both in quantity and quality is found to be deficient to shoulder different local level responsibilities. Women are also under represented in the civil service and in the cabinet members. Shortage of budget and skilled human resource, and high turnover of officials and key experts due to frequent reorganization and restructuring of offices, transfer, demotion and promotion are critical problems observed in both local governments. In addition, different facilities and core resources are not adequately available in the sectors of both woreda and town. As a result the status of human resource, organizational and institutional capacity is found to be weak. The capacity building/training activities conducted in the areas were not need-based. Besides, training impact assessment was not undertaken. Weak management capacity, unfavorable enabling environment and absence of adequate facilities and resources characterize both local governments. Community participation is also limited to implementation of planned projects than at planning and decision making levels. It was generally recommended that continuous training of employees and officials; conducting training need and impact analysis; designing reward system, support in fulfilling the resources and facilities on the part of the regional government, participation of local community in need prioritization, planning and decision making, making available different policy documents, guidelines, and rules for employees; creating stable and suitable structure and in general building local capacity be undertaken.enDecentralized Local GovernanceThesis