Institutional setting for local-level development planning in Ethiopia : an assessment and a way forward

There is growing recognition in Africa of the importance of decentralization and local-level development to stimulate local and regional economies and to relaunch development on a more indigenous, sustainable, and equitable basis. Towards this goal, Ethiopia launched a decentralization reform programme in 1991. The decentralization programme, which is enshrined in the constitution of the country, has created regional and woreda (locality/local) governments with substantial responsibilities in development activities. In this regard, the decentralization programme is a step in the right direction. However, if meaningful decentralization is to be achieved, the government should be committed to transferring political power and resources to the woreda authorities. Moreover, effective implementation of decentralization and local development require responsive institutions and trained manpower, both of which are lacking in the country today. (InWent/DÜI)