Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies: Home

Abstract:
Tanzanian government is spending approximately TZS 10.2 billion of public fund annually for accelerating locally initiated development projects at constituency level. The establishment of this fund took place after enactment of Constituency Development Catalyst Fund (CDCF) Act of 2009. A unique feature of this fund lies on its management by elected Members of Parliament supposed to oversee executives. This has raised eye brows among academicians and practitioners on accountability of its management. This study was therefore designed to examine accountability and transparency in the management of CDCF in Tanzania using Mwanga constituency as case studies. The purpose was to find loopholes in the management practices and recommend policy adjustments accordingly to guarantee better services to the populace. The study employed cross-sectional research design utilizing qualitative research methodology and content analysis technique to uncover CDCF management practices that do not conform to good governance practices. It used both semi structured interviews and Closed and Open semi structured questionnaires to tap information from both Local and Central Government Authorities officials. Key findings of the study manifest secretive management practices of the fund that limit access to information to citizens. These practices overlook good governance principles unhealthy for efficient and effective management of public resources. Furthermore, means for holding entrusted official accountable were largely limited to ballot box and judicial mechanism. The study concluded by appealing relevant authorities to device means that would lead to legal community free access to information. The study recommended for employment of meritocratic than political value laden management of the fund so that the community gets value for their money.

Keywords: Accountability, Transparency, CDCF, Good Governance

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