About this course
Examines the forms of decentralisation, namely deconcentration, delegation and devolution, and how each shapes service delivery and local accountability. The second part covers community-driven development (CDD), where communities plan, manage and monitor their own projects, including participatory planning, community procurement and grants, social accountability tools and the link between community structures and local government.
Why this course
Central planning often misses local priorities, and many community projects collapse once external funding ends. Well-designed decentralisation and CDD approaches give communities real control over resources and responsibility for results. Officials and development practitioners who understand both can design programmes that last and that local people own.
What delegates will be able to do
By the end of the course, delegates will be able to
- Distinguish deconcentration, delegation and devolution and their practical effects
- Assess the fiscal and administrative capacity of a local government unit
- Design a community-driven development project cycle with clear community roles
- Apply social accountability tools such as community scorecards and social audits
- Plan handover and sustainability arrangements for community-managed assets
Who should attend
Local government officials, rural development and community development officers, programme managers in donor-funded projects, and NGO staff working on local development. Some experience of public or community programmes is helpful.
How it is delivered
Facilitator-led sessions, case studies of CDD programmes in Africa, and practical exercises on participatory planning and community scorecards. It is available as a public course, in-house at your premises, or as live virtual sessions. Duration and dates are confirmed in your quote, and in-house groups can have the examples and exercises fitted to their organisation.