ASSOSA UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMMANITIES

DEPARTMENT OF CIVICS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION

TITLE: ASSESSING THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF IMPLEMENTING

ADMINISTRATIVE DECENTERALIZATION: IN THE CASE OF BAMBASI WOREDA

A THESIS PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND

HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT OF CIVICS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION, ASSOSA
UNIVERSITY, FOR THE PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF
THE BACHELOR DEGREE.

PREPARED BY:

BEREKET ZEWDE

ADVISOR AHMED MUSA (BA) JANAURY, 2024

ASSOSA, ETHIOPIA
Abstract
Now a time, the issue of administration is critical concern for the governments and the society as
whole and good governance cannot ensured without de-centralized government. Therefore, the
main purpose this study is basically focused on assessing the challenges and opportunities of
implementing administrative de-centralization in Bambasi Woreda. The study has three specific
objectives, the first one is to identify the challenges in implementing administrative
decentralization, the second is to examine the opportunities of administrative decentralization in
the presence situation, and the last one is to examine the trends of administrative decentralization
service delivery. Descriptive research design with qualitative and quantitative method was
employ to fits the purpose of this study. Questionnaire and interview were be used to collect data
from informants.

Contents page no
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Abstract.......................................................................................................................................................2
CHAPTER ONE..........................................................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................4
1.1. Background of the Study..................................................................................................................4
1.2 Statement of the Problem...................................................................................................................5
1.3 Objectives of the Study......................................................................................................................6
1.3.1 General Objective of the Study...................................................................................................6
1.3.2 Specific Objectives of the Study.................................................................................................6
1.4. Research Question........................................................................................................................6
1.5 Scope of the Study.............................................................................................................................7
1.6 Research methodology.......................................................................................................................7
1.6.1. Research Design........................................................................................................................7
1.6.2. Sampling Size and Technique....................................................................................................7
1.6.3. Sources of Data.......................................................................................................................7
1.7 Significance s of the Study................................................................................................................7
1.8 Limitation of the Study..................................................................................................................7
1.9 organization of the study...................................................................................................................8
CHAPTER TWO.............................................................................................................................................8
2 REVIEWS OF RELATED LITERATURE.......................................................................................................8
2.1 Definition of Decentralization............................................................................................................8
2.2. Types of Decentralization...............................................................................................................8
2.2.1. Political Decentralization.............................................................................................................8
2.2.2. Administrative decentralization.....................................................................................................9
2.2.2.1. De concentration........................................................................................................................9
2.2.2.2. Devolution..................................................................................................................................9
2.2.2.3. Delegation.................................................................................................................................10
2.2.3. Fiscal Decentralization.................................................................................................................10
2.2.4. Economic or Market Decentralization.........................................................................................10
2.3. Decentralization: opportunity and risk...........................................................................................10
2.4. Factors affecting decentralization...................................................................................................11
2.5. Essential Characteristics of Decentralization:.................................................................................11
2.5.1. Authority......................................................................................................................................12
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 2.5.2. Autonomy....................................................................................................................................12
2.5.3. Accountability..............................................................................................................................12
2.6. Decentralization in Ethiopia............................................................................................................12
CHAPTER THREE........................................................................................................................................13
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...........................................................................................................13
3.1 description of the study...............................................................................................................13
3.1.1. Research Design.......................................................................................................................13
3.2. Sampling Size and Technique......................................................................................................13
3.3. Sources of Data........................................................................................................................13
3.4. Instrument of Data Collection.....................................................................................................14
3.5. Method of Data Analysis.............................................................................................................14

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the Study
Many countries around the world have engaged in the process of decentralization by transferring
responsibilities of the state to lower tiers of government (Mehret,1998) Decentralization is the
transfer of power, authority, responsibility, resource and functions from central government to
regional and sub- regional structure to the public and private sectors, but not only the distribution

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or transfer of power and authorities, rather it considers the service delivery (Solomon:2008, p-
40) As broadly understood, decentralization classified in to four types i.e. political,
administrative, fiscal and market decentralization. According to Rondell (1999) administrative
decentralization seeks to redistribute authority, responsibility and financial resources in
providing public services among different levels of government. It consists of three major forms
i.e. DE concentration, delegation and devolution. Decentralization is a means to ensure the
participation of the public on the diverse affairs of their locality. Decentralization in Ethiopia
transfer of political, fiscal and administrative power from the central government to regional,
zonal and woreda government in the form of devolution or political reform has been the main
agenda since, 1991 to realize the objective of Democratic governance, to give response to ethnic
pressure, to ensure the needs of Democratic governance, to give response to ethnic groups
regarding their cultural and linguistic autonomy of nations and nationalities that may allow them
to administer their own affairs. It is generally observed that the process of consolidating the
administrative decentralization is an ongoing process both people and governments prefer
decentralization as a political arrangement for their empowerment. The1995 federal constitution
of Ethiopia recognized nine national regional state as well as two city administrations. These
levels of government relatively well established where by the regions are endowed with a
substantial amount of resources to much at least apart of developed responsibilities. In the
constitution of FDRE, they are mentioned explicitly as structures to be used for administrative
convenience. In all regions, zonal administrators have been installed which are mostly appointed,
except in the most divers region of the Benishangul Gumuz where they are elected. Below the
zonal level, we find the local level administrative woreda, since they play key roles in
prioritizing the provision of public services (Tegegne2004). Decentralization measures in various
countries had been motivated by divers’ factors such as politics, civil wars, lack of sound central
government, the need to improve service delivery to large population and rationalization of
economy (Assefa, 2007, 7-67). According to research triangle institute (1997), there are some
sample performance indicators of administrative decentralization. These includes increases in
authorities specifically reserved to the local government number of reforms passed in
comparison with a list of recommended reform, a number of local government decisions over
turned by central government scope of responsibility clearly defined for each level, percent of

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local laws passed without hindrance from central government, degree of assignment functional
responsibilities from central government to local government and existence of code of conduct.

Most of the woredas in Ethiopia as a government unit have an elected council, executive
committee and administrative structure and a woreda court in the form of first instance court.
The woreda budget is provided in the form of block grants by the regional council, but the
woreda also gave the authority to levy their own revenues while the utilization of the grant is
subject to supervisions and control by regional government funds generated from their own
sources are free from regional scrutiny. So, the aim of this study is to find out the challenges and
opportunities if implementing administrative decentralization that are encountered by Bambasi
Woreda.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

After decades of highly centralized and unitary political system and administrative setup,
Ethiopia has been following federal system of government and decentralization policy of
regional and local government and democratization process immediately after the down fall of
the military regime in 1991. Ethiopia which had experience a concentrated political,
administrative, fiscal and planning system for a long time initiated in 1992 far reaching
institutional and policy transformations, important measures have been taken to decentralize the
government and structure it along federal lines (Vander loop, 2002).

Recently administrative decentralization is important issue for the government in order to

ensuring the implementation program on a country. So the way of administration on this country
can be administrative decentralization rather than centralized government. However, without
identification of the challenges and opportunities of implementing administrative
decentralization it’s difficult to measure implementing strategy. One of the objectives of the
recent Woreda decentralization drive in Ethiopia is stated as enabling local governments to
provide quality and efficient services at decentralized levels through promoting good
governance, enhancing organization effectiveness and improving human power capacity. To
achieve these objective, interventions in the form of institutional arrangement, managing
/training, fiscal transfer and revenue enhancement, local planning and control, participation
standard service and equipment supply were deemed essential (Work u, 2005).

Currently there is so many problems observed related to good governance in administrative

decentralization the society raises different question but has not been satisfactory. Furthermore,
inefficient experience in managing federalism and wide gab in administrative and institutional
capacity in the woreda are serious challenges to the success of administrative decentralization
policy. Regarding to these some researcher studied about the challenges of administrative
decentralization in public service delivery, for instance, Andinet Abera prepared his senior thesis

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in Gondar University in 2015. But he does not assess the opportunities therefore, the researcher t
assessed the challenges and opportunities of implementing administrative decentralization in
Bambasi Woreda.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1.3.1 General Objective of the Study
The general objective of the study is to assess the challenges and opportunities of implementing
administrative decentralization in Bambasi Woreda.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives of the Study

The specific objectives of the study are the following

 To elaborate the challenges in implementation of administrative decentralization in

Bambasi Woreda.

 to examine the opportunities of administrative decentralization in the present situation in

Bambasi Woreda.

 To examine the trends of administrative service delivery in the study area

1.4. Research Question

1. What are the challenges in the implementation of administrative decentralization in the present
context in Bambasi woreda?

2. What are the main opportunities to implement administrative decentralization in the present
context in Bambasi-woreda?

3. What are the trends of administrative service delivery in the study area?

1.5 Scope of the Study

The study would limit to Benishangul Gumuz regional State in case of Assosa zone, Bambasi
Woreda because, in order to assess the challenges and opportunity of administrative
decentralization in this woreda.

1.6 Research methodology

1.6.1. Research Design
The study would mainly focus on assessing the challenges and opportunities of implementing
administrative decentralization among Bambasi Woreda. For the purpose of this study, the
researcher used both qualitative research approach and quantitative or mixed approach.

2
1.6.2. Sampling Size and Technique
The sampling sizes of the researcher will select the respondents from total government officials.
These selected respondents may those employees of administrative and civil service office of
Bambasi woreda. The researcher will select those respondents by using purposive sampling. The
researcher purposively select for the reason that the study should involve respondent who are
well aware about the challenge of administrative decentralization.

1.6.3. Sources of Data

For the study, both primary and secondary sources may employ.

The primary data: -The primary data will be collected from respondents in administrative and
civil service office

Secondary data: -would collect from published and un published materials which are available in
the form of government policy briefs, laws, regulation annual plans, reports research papers
prepared and conference.

1.7 Significance s of the Study

The study may contribute to better understanding of the current status and process of
decentralization in general and challenges and opportunities to implement administrative
decentralization in Bambasi Woreda in particular. The researcher will belief that the research
may have a considerable significance in initiating other researcher who are interested to conduct
further study in challenges and opportunities of implementing administrative decentralization in
general and Bambasi Woreda in particular. It will add value to the knowledge based on the
implementation of woreda administrative decentralization

1.8 Limitation of the Study

In conducting the study, the researcher will face with the following difficulties. Lack of
collecting enough primary data and the researcher will face lack of time since the researcher is
preparing for the national exit exam and financial problem will be another limitation to the study.

1.9 organization of the study

The study organized under five chapters. The first chapter would contain introduction part which
includes background of the study, statement of the problem, objective of the study, research
question, significance of the study, scope of the study, research methodology, limitation of the
study, organization of the study and ethical consideration. The second chapter deals with review
of literature. The third chapter deal research design and methodology of the study. The forth
chapter deal data analysis, data interpretation and data presentation. The last chapter of the study
ends with the conclusion and recommendation.

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CHAPTER TWO
2 REVIEWS OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Definition of Decentralization

Decentralization is a process distributing or divided function, power, or things away a central
location or authority, it is especially its governments sphere is always widely hided and
practiced. It is also encompassing the concept of its different dimension and from within level of
authority exercise and responsibility given to agency of in change some kind of decentralization
or service (Hume David, 1997). Government management and development use decentralization
implies existence of the separation of power where power is distributed from top down, therefore
the degree to which the lower level of government play great roles as central government (ibid)

Define decentralization on as transfer of authority to provide some service to public from

individual or agency in centered government to some other agency decentralization was used to
describe various reforms to increase the role of local governments (Solomon, 2006).
Decentralization is a means to ensure the participation of public in the diverse affairs of their
locality. It allows local government not only to effectively attend to the tastes and needs of local
residents but also to engage in inter jurisdictional competition and innovations in the provision of
public services with votes pretense (Litvak seddon,1999).

2.2. Types of Decentralization

Different types of decentralization should distinguish because they have different characteristic
policy implementation and condition for the success

2.2.1. Political Decentralization

Political decentralization aims to give citizens or their elected representatives more Power in
public decision-making. It is often associated with pluralistic politics and representative
government, but it can also support democratization by giving citizens, or their representatives,
more influence in the formulation and implementation of policies. Advocates of political
decentralization assume that decisions made with greater participation will be better informed
and more relevant to diverse interests in society than those made only by national political
authorities. The concept implies that the selection of representatives from local electoral
jurisdictions allows citizens to know better their political representatives and allows elected
officials to know better the needs and desires of their constituents. Political decentralization often
requires constitutional or statutory reforms, the development of pluralistic political parties, the
strengthening of legislatures, creation of local political units, and the encouragement of effective
public interest groups

2.2.2. Administrative decentralization

Administrative decentralization seeks to redistribute authority, responsibility and financial
resources for providing public services among different levels of government. It is the transfer of

2
responsibility for the planning, financing and management of certain public functions from the
central government and its agencies to field units of government agencies, subordinate units or
levels of government, semi-autonomous public authorities or corporations, or area-wide, regional
or functional authorities. The three major forms of administrative decentralization are DE
concentration, delegation, and devolution -- each has different characteristic

2.2.2.1. De concentration
The essence of De concentration or administrative decentralization is intra-government transfer
of authority and functions among units of administration in the same governmental structure. It
represents an administrative arrangement whereby authority and responsibility flow from top to
bottom in a single organizational hierarchy. Regional and local governments function as
organizations of field administration rather than as independent decision-making center. In
practice, De centration involves delegation of responsibilities by central headquarters to field
administrations or branch offices within the same bureaucratic apparatus. An important feature
of such an administrative arrangement is that decision making authority is retained by a central
bureaucracy and branch offices are only extensions to execute policy and plans formulated by
central authorities. In other word, the discretion of local authorities and branch office in matters
of decision making is highly restricted because they do not have independent legal existence of
their own (Rondinelli and Cheema1983).

2.2.2.2. Devolution
Devolution or political decentralization on the other hand is a governance arrangement aimed at
achieving transfer of decision making power and political responsibility to sub-national level of
government. Conceptually, devolution is a formal transfer of authority and responsibility to
legally constituted local government authorities. This pattern of decentralization represents a
system of political administration where by authority and responsibility are constitutionally share
between the central government and other subsidiary units of governments, which can be states,
regions, provinces or chartered municipalities. The primary objective of political decentralization
is to push decision-making down to lower levels of governments and empower communities to
exercise self-rule at the local level. In sum, this approach to decentralization has the single most
important advantage of advancing democratic governance because it effectively transfers
decision-making authority from the central government to local governance structures
(smith1985; manor1985)

2.2.2.3. Delegation
Delegation is a more extensive form of decentralization. Through delegation the central
governments transfer responsibility for decision making and administration of public to semi-
autonomous organization. Not wholly controlled by central government but ultimately
accountable to it. Government delegates the responsibilities when they create public enterprise or
corporation house authority through, transportation authority, especial service distinct semi-

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autonomous unit usually these organizations have great deal of decision making (Solomon,
2006).

2.2.3. Fiscal Decentralization

Fiscal decentralization is commonly defining as the transfer of fiscal power and resources from
the central government to subordinate or quasi-independent (sub-national) government units. It
deals with how revenues and public expenditures are distributed among the different tiers
(Deresse, 2003).

2.2.4. Economic or Market Decentralization

The most complete forms of decentralization from a government’s perspective are privatization
and deregulation. They shift responsibility for functions from the public to private sector. They
allow functions that had been primarily or exclusively the responsibility of government to be
carried out by business community groups, cooperatives private voluntary association and other
NGO (Meheret, 1999). In recent years privatization and deregulation is taken as an issue in
developing countries. Local governments are also privatizing by contracting out service
provision or administration

2.3. Decentralization: opportunity and risk

The forces behind this worldwide trend towards localization and specifically, the Shifting of
significant fiscal administrative and political authority to sub-national levels are myriad and
complex (World Bank, 2003). In many cases, larger political dynamics related to the process of
democratization have compelled government to decentralize formerly autocratic, centralized
regimes. In part of Africa the transition multi-party Democracies as well as the aspiration of
diverse ethnic groups to greater voice indecision making have provided the drivers for
decentralization (Ibid). Regardless of their Emergency, decentralization process relates with
opportunities as well as risks benefits as well as potential costs. In the most general terms,
decentralization allows for “good Politics and good economics to come together” by enhancing
political responsiveness and participation at the local level while simultaneously furthering
economic objectives of improving a locative and operational efficiency of public expenditure.
Another Potential benefits is that decentralized governance arrangements tend generate Stronger
accountability relationships down wards to clients and beneficiary. Notwithstanding its potential
payoffs in terms of improving efficiency, accountability, clients satisfaction and popular
legitimacy decentralization so comes with its share of risks, risk macro stability typically emerge
in the form of recurring central Government deficits, for example, as a result of central
government deficits, Governments failure to reduce spending or increase tax to match increasing
cost of Intergovernmental fiscal transfer local authorities may also use their new influence to
Borrow excessively in expectation to bail outs from the center. Problems of contingent liabilities,
poor budget execution and resource leakage can farther exacerbate problems of aggregate fiscal
indiscipline in the context of Decentralization. The second major risk at likely disparities that
may emerge between Sub-national jurisdictions. Poorer regions or districts are not likely to fare

2
as well as wealthier ones both in terms of effective demands for essential services which vary
with income as well as spending which reflects variation in local tax bases.

2.4. Factors affecting decentralization

The concepts of decentralization are influenced by mix economic, political and social Factor.
Therefore, it is wise to use the dynamic nature of decentralization to understand it seriously.
Abraham (2011) citing Azfar (2005) contends, a host of factors are likely to Influence the
performance of decentralization in sub-national governments. These include the political
framework; fiscal aspects of decentralization; the effectiveness of civil society; aspects of the
social structure; the capacity of sub-national governments and other factors. Although politics is
the driving force behind decentralization in most countries, decentralization may be one of those
happy instances in which good politics and good economics serve the same end (Ibid). Local
communities must be informed about the cost of services and delivery options and decisions they
make are meaningful. Capacity must be existing at the sub-national level. In addition to these,
Abraham (2011) citing in issues to be influencing decentralization in practical experience as well
as scholarly studies like (WB publication and kalin,1998) point out that varies condition which
are indispensable for successfully decentralization which among other things include: Secure
existence of local governments, Availabilities of adequate resources\financial, human
Accountability and transparency, Political will and partnership and Strong legal frame work
setting out the powers, rights and duties of local Governments clearly.

2.5. Essential Characteristics of Decentralization:

Authority, Autonomy, Accountability, and capacity. Decentralizations have multiple dimensions,
goals and arenas make it a complicated and somewhat difficult phenomenon to understand, let
alone support effectively. Despite all this complexity, however, no matter what form
decentralization takes, toward what goal it is intended, or in what arena it is adopted, all
decentralizing changes must embody certain key characteristics in order to succeed. According
to (USAID, 2009:) there are four characteristics authority, autonomy, accountability, and
capacity to provide analytical coherence to what is empirically a complicated and often
incoherent phenomenon.

2.5.1. Authority
Sub national governments or sub national administrative units of the national government must
be given authority to undertake specific functions. For decentralization to be meaningful sub
national administrative units or governments must do something to benefit their citizen-residents,
who must know what local administrators or councilors are authorized to do in order to interact
with them effectively. Authority, which can be mandatory or permissive (allowed but not
compulsory or prohibited) can be enshrined in a constitution or outlined in laws, or can be
decreed administratively (though decreed changes are more easily modified and therefore less
stable than constitutional and legislative authority)

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2.5.2. Autonomy
Decentralization requires that sub national administrative units or governments be given some
degree of autonomy over functions they now have the authority to undertake. The national
government has a legitimate stake in maintaining some control over functions that support
critical national goals (such as stability, democracy, and development), but certain functions or
aspects thereof can often be assigned to sub national actors. Autonomy provides sub national
officials with flexibility to respond more effectively to local conditions and the specific needs of
local people.

2.5.3. Accountability
Decentralization must create a degree of accountability to empowered local citizens, who know
what to hold sub national public officials accountable for by virtue of the specific authorities
allowed to them. Of course, accountability is more powerful in cases where voters can replace
elected officials if they do not adequately respond to local needs Capacity. Effective
decentralization requires that sub national administrative units or governments have adequate
capacity to use their authority and autonomy to be responsive to local people. If sub national
officials are unable to deliver functions that local residents expect from them, the potential
benefits of decentralization are unlikely to be realized.

2.6. Decentralization in Ethiopia

The decentralization drive in Ethiopia has proceeded in two phases. The first wave of
decentralization (1991-2001) was centered on creating and empowering National/Regional
Governments and hence was termed as mid-level decentralization (Tegegne 1998). During this
period, National/Regional State Governments were established with changes in the local and
central government system (Yigremew 2001). The National/Regional Governments were
entrusted with legislative, executive and judicial powers in respect of all matters within their
areas, and with the exception of those that fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government
(defense, foreign affairs, economic policy, etc.) (Kasshun and Tegegne 2004). In particular, they
are empowered, among others, to issue regional constitutions and other laws, plan and execute
social and economic development. Administrative Aspect Administrative decentralization has
influence on the service delivery system. The organizational structure of certain communities has
a great influence on the way service is being delivered to citizens in any nation. With regard to
administrative decenralization, subnational units in Ethiopia are established as autonomous and
are empowered to approve budgets, and prepare and implement development plans. The three
organs of government at the subnational level-the legislature, judiciary, and the executive-are
expected to operate without control and interference from the central government. (Yilmaz and
Venugopal 2008).

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 CHAPTER THREE
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 description of the study

The research would be conduct in Bambasi Woreda. Bambasi is one of the woreda in the
Benishangul Gumuz regional state of Ethiopia. Bambasi woreda is bordered on the west by
Assosa woreda, on the north by Tongo woreda, on the east by Mendi woreda and on the south by
Oura woreda

3.1.1. Research Design

The study would mainly focus on assessing the challenges and opportunities of implementing
administrative decentralization among Bambasi Woreda. For the purpose of this study, the
researcher would use both qualitative research approach and quantitative or mixed approach.

3.2. Sampling Size and Technique

The researcher would select the respondents from total government officials. This selected
respondent may those employees of administrative and civil service office of Bambasi woreda.
The researcher may select those respondents by using purposive sampling. The researcher
purposively selected for the reason that the study should be involve respondents who are well
aware about the challenge of administrative decentralization.

3.3. Sources of Data

For the study, both primary and secondary sources may employed.

The primary data: -The primary data may be collected from respondents in administrative and
civil service office

Secondary data: -would be collected from published and un published materials which are
available in the form of government policy briefs, laws, regulation annual plans, reports research
papers prepared and conference.

3.4. Instrument of Data Collection

The study gathered through interviews and questionnaires.

A, Questionnaires: - It is used to get intensive information from respondents and help the
respondents to state their response freely without the interference of the researcher. The
questions had both open ended and close ended formats. Because, the questionnaire is the main
instrument for collecting necessary information from respondents under the quantitative data
collecting methods and it distributed to the semen Bench Woreda administrative and civil service
office. Hence, the researcher prepared both open ended and close ended questionnaires. In this

2
regard, the researcher was distributed 10 questionnaires to the representatives of the targeted
population or 56 government officials.

B, Interview: -It employed to get intensive and extensive data which is not obtained by
questionnaire and to make more clarification about the data. Hence, the researcher prepared both
structured and unstructured interview format to the selected people of the targeted population.
Therefore, the researcher selected 4 leaders of governmental officials for interviews.

C, Document review: documents which have a relationship with the study and which are found
in woreda will reviewed. .

3.5. Method of Data Analysis

The data was collected by using interview and questionnaire; the research analyzed the data both
qualitatively and quantitatively. The researcher had used qualitative research method to analysis
and interpret the data on the challenges and opportunities of implementing administrative
decentralization. To do this, the research was interpreted by quantitative data using statistical
tools like, tables and percentage on sample study and qualitative data analyzed descriptively by
using words and statement.