An assessment of factors that influence village government decision making: A case of Iringa district council

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing factors that influence village government decision making. It was conducted at Mapogoro village, in Iringa district. The study was guided by three objectives set to; examine the structure of village government and its influence in decision making; examine the participation of villagers in decision making at the village government and lastly; examine the influence of village leadership in the village government decision making. The study used a case study research design and a sample of 38 respondents selected through purposive and convenient sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires, interview, and documentary review and analyzed by using qualitative analysis techniques. The findings indicate that, the structure of village government influence village decision making in the following aspects: insufficient power of the village government in the process of decision making, village government meetings both VC and VA, are conducted without observing the quorum of meeting and the diverse composition of village government members (politicians and technocrats) and guidelines or directives from the district level. The study has shown a low level of villager’s attendance and contribution to the VA meetings impedes decision making in the village government. Also the study has shown village leadership aspects including poor communication and information sharing in the village government, lack of accountability and transparency and low level of village leader’s trust for the village community constrain decision making in the village government. This study has made some recommendations in order to ensure effective decision making in the village government. The study recommends an emphasis for bottom up decision making approach, meeting allowance for VC members and salaries payment for village leaders such as VCP and removal of politics in the village government. The study also recommends civic education to villagers on the importance of VA meeting and that various means of communication and information sharing should be used to inform villagers about village affairs. It is further recommended that, DED office should prepare training programs for newly elected village leaders and ensure follow up to village government to strengthen accountability of leaders