Abstract:
This study aimed at investigating the community participation level in decision making in local government authorities, specifically in the Village Assembly Meetings in Morogoro District Council. The government of Tanzania has been advocating various local governance and participation initiatives through the famous Decentralization by Devolution Policy of 1998 and the Local Government Reform. However, local people/communities at lower level at large have always been unable to utilize effectively this opportunity in their areas of jurisdictions. This is because they lack critical capabilities or competence needed to have more control of their resources
The concept of community participation is central in underpinning successful development programmes. Studies on the Tanzanian government's efforts to decentralize decision making to the districts and ultimately the village levels indicate that, local people do not constitute key players in the processes and have limited participation in decision making.
This study was conducted in six villages in Morogoro District involving 80 respondents who were purposively and randomly selected. Data were collected using structured questionnaire, supplemented by interviews for key informant and observation. Data were analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel Spread Sheet. The findings showed that the level of education was the key factor that affect decision making in village meetings. Villagers were occasionally given feedback and report on development and financial matters, although accountability of villager leaders was ranked very poor. The study recommended that to enhance villagers‟ participation in decision making, there should be frequent village meetings, accountable and transparent leaders, leaders with scandals of misappropriating village funds and projects should be forced to step down.
