Decentralization and Service Delivery in Somaliland.

ABSTRACT The study investigated the relationship between Decentralization and service delivery in Somaliland. The purpose of this study was to examine the level of participation, effectiveness and responsiveness in the decentralized public sector service delivery in Somaliland. The study was guided by three objectives. The first objective was to determine the level of popular participation in decision making system at local level, the second one was to determine the effectiveness of decentralization on the improvement of service delivery and the third objective was to establish the relationship between decentralization and service delivery in Somaliland. The study used a descriptive correlation quantitative design. Data was collected in February 2011, using questionnaire from 52 selected respondents from the accessible population then analyzed using Pearson’s product correlation coefficient, descriptive statistics means, percentage, frequency and presented in tables. The study found out that Decentralization increases people’s participation in decision making, it also compels leaders to be accountable to the people, the study further found out that The central government is reluctant to decentralize its powers,. thus causing challenges in the service delivery. The study concluded that there is no significant relationship between Decentralization and Service Delivery in Somaliland. However the study recommends among other things that the central government must reform the culture of centralized bureaucracy which has failed to deliver good quality services to the local people.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 3

Purpose of the Study 4

Research Objectives 4

Research Question 5

Hypothesis 6

Scope 6

Significance of the Study 6

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 7

Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 8

Introduction 8

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions from Authors/Experts 8

Decentralization 8

Types of Decentralization 9

Three main Types of Decentralization 11

Deconcentration or administrative decentralization 11

Fiscal Decentralization 12

Devolution and democratic Decentralization 12

Decentralization: Theoretical approach 13

Other type and interpretations of decentralization

Delegation 13

Economic decentralization 13

VII

Deregulation 13

Privatization 14

Why decentralized? 14

Decentralization and participation 14

Conditions for success 16

Decentralization theoretical approach 16

Possible impact of Decentralization 17

Public service 19

The main factors involved in public service deliveryl9

Local government contribution to effective

Public service delivery 19

Decentralization and service Delivery 21

Related studies 22

Types of Decentralization 22

Forms of Decentralization 23

Objectives of Decentralization Policy in Somaliland 25

Three METHODOLOGY 27

Research Design 27

Research Population 27

Sample Size 28

Sampling Procedure 29

Research Instrument 29

Validity and Reliability of the Instrument 29

Data Gathering Procedures 30

Data Analysis 31

Ethical Considerations 31

Limitations of the Study 31

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

OF DATA 33

Introduction 33

The profile of the respondents 33

Presentation and analysis of Research question one 35

Presentation and analysis of Research question two 38

Presentation and analysis of Research question three 41

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS 43

Introduction 43

Findings 43

Conclusions 46

Recommendations 49

Suggestions for Further Studies 51

References 52

Appendices

Appendix I - Transmittal Letter 55

Appendix II - Research Instrument 56

Appendix III -Calculation of Content Validity Index 61

Appendix IV- Interpretation of means 62

Appendix V Researcher’s Curriculum Vitae 63