Decentralization and Community Participation in Decision Making in Hargeisa District Somali Land

ABSTRACT 

Since the early 1980s, decentralization has reemerged as a valued political and economic goal in most developing countries. Decentralization is new to Somaliland Region in particular. Although, the constitution of Somaliland clearly states that the Regional States have autonomous role in the sphere of political and social aspects. The study investigated decentralization and community participation in decision making in selected district in Somaliland. The study was guided by the following objectives; to indentify the modes of participation used by citizens in the decentralized system in Hargeisa and To establish whether, or not, citizens participation promotes the success of decentralized in Hargeisa regions. The research design was descriptive research design and existing literature was used. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources using questioner and documentary review, to collect primary data from sample size of 184 respondents out of population of 350 respondents. The study concludes that there is significant relationship between decentralization and community participation in decision making in selected district in Somaliland, and it recommended the following Local government should increase the level of sensitization to make the citizens at the lower level more aware about the importance of decentralization system so that they can participate actively, The central government should work hand-in-hand with local governmental and citizens to strengthen accountability and transparency. Central government, in particular, should make local leaders directly accountable to the community they serve.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION A II

DECLARATION B III

APPROVAL SHEET IV

DEDICATION V

ACKNOWLEDGENEMENTS VI

TABLE OF CONTENTS VII

LIST OF THE TABLES X

ABSTRACT XI

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 3

Research Objectives 4

General objectives 4

Specific objectives 4

Research Questions 5

Hypothesis 5

Scope 5

Significance of the Study 7

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 7

CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Introduction 8

The origin of the decentralization 8

Decentralization definition and concept 9

Types of decentralization 9

Political decentralization 9

Administrative decentralization 11

Decentralization enhances legitimacy of decision-making

and accountability. 15

Participation 17

Community participation 19

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

Introduction 21

Research Design 21

Research Population 22

Sample frame work 22

Sample Size 22

Sampling Procedure 23

Method of data collection 24

Research Instrument 24

Source of data collection 24

Validity and Reliability of the Instrument 25

Data Gathering Procedures 26

Data Analysis 26

Ethical Considerations 26

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

Introduction 29

Characteristic of the respondent 29

Kinds of decentralization in which community participate in decision making

Modes of participation used by the citizen 38

Citizen participation promotes success in decentralization System 40

The relationship between decentralization and community participation in decision making 43

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Introduction 44

Summary of the findings 44

Types of decentralization 45

Research question two 48

Research question three 49

Conclusions 52

Recommendation 53

Area for further research 56

REFERENCES 57

APPENDICES

APPENDEX E A - LETTER OF INTRODUCTION 62

APPENDIX B - QUESTIONNAIRE 63

APPENDIX C - TIME FRAME WORK 68

APPENDIX D - BUDGET 69