Title_ Governance, Local Governments and the Constituency Development Catalyst Fund in Tanzania

Author_ Ernest T. Mallya and Flora Lucas Kessy

Pages 19-54

Abstract_ Constituency Development Funds (CDFs) are decentralization initiatives which send funds from the central government to each constituency for expenditure on development projects intended to address particular local needs. A key feature of CDF schemes is that members of Parliament typically exert control over how funds are spent. This paper provides an overview of CDFs and whether they have made any difference in the management of public resources and in governance in Tanzania. It highlights the controversies the CDFs have raised including the questions raised by civil society organizations about the legitimacy of the legislative arm doing work meant for the executive. The findings show that the CDFs are yet to make an impact, are little known to the people whom they are meant to benefit, and have not adequately addressed the aspects of transparency and participation.

Keywords_ Governance, Constituency Development Catalyst Fund, Tanzania Social Action Fund