Abstract:
This study was intended to investigate the role of civil society organizations in strengthening citizen awareness in enforcing accountability in the local government authorities in Tanzania, specifically in Rorya District. The specific objectives that guided the study were: to determine the activities which are done by civil society in Rorya District; to find out efforts made by civil society in promoting awareness in enforcing accountability; to identify the challenges faced by the civil society in promoting awareness in enforcing accountability; and to identify the successes made by the civil society in promoting awareness in enforcing accountability.
A sample of 70 respondents was selected which comprised local residents, councilors, village chairmen, District Commissioner, heads of departments, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community based organizations, faith based organizations, media houses, political parties, and a Member of Parliament. The study used simple random, purposive, and snowball sampling techniques to select the respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documentary review. Data gathered using the questionnaires were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme; factual and logical interpretation has been presented in percentage using tables.
From the findings of this study, the role of civil society in strengthening citizen awareness in enforcing accountability in Rorya District was identified as limited; the study has revealed that civil society organizations have not done much in terms of enhancement of citizen awareness on accountability; their focus has been geared towards lobbying, charitable, and development activities. The challenges that hinder civil society to focus on social accountability programmes are such as poor leadership, scarcity of resources, political interference, lack of cooperation from stake holders, self-interests, and shift from original missions and objectives. The successes that have been made by the civil society organizations in Rorya District in creating awareness among citizens to demand accountability are very limited.
In conclusion, the assumption that prompted the study was lack of awareness among citizens to enforce accountability mechanisms within their localities. The study has revealed little progress by the civil society organizations in terms of enhancing accountability programmes. A large population in Rorya District does not understand what civil society stands for and what accountability means. Therefore, civil society are commended to put much emphasis and focus in promoting social accountability programmes; also the Local government authorities should collaborate, build synergy and perceive civil society organizations as partners in development.
