The UONGOZI Journal of Management and Development Dynamics

Administrative Decentralisation, Bureaucratic Discretion and Pro-poor Service Delivery in Zanzibar Local Government

2026-04-16T14:18:17-04:00

Administrative decentralisation and bureaucratic discretion have recently become a significant focus in lo-
cal government studies. Interest in this area has increased due to extensive evidence indicating that decen-
tralisation reforms adopted by many countries worldwide have not sufficiently enhanced bureaucratic dis-
cretion to improve service delivery at the local level. This paper therefore examines the level of bureau-
cratic discretion in Zanzibar’s local government and the extent to which such discretion either facilitates or
limits service delivery, particularly in the West A. Municipal Council in Zanzibar. The current study em-
ployed a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative techniques, with a sample of
75 respondents. The sample was selected through non-proportionate stratified simple random sampling for
descriptive analysis, while 25 respondents were chosen purposively for in-depth interviews. Findings indi-
cate that administrative decentralisation was introduced in Zanzibar through policy and legal reforms over
the past 12 years, involving three policy sectors in a pilot study aimed at implementing decentralisation by
devolution reforms. However, the current government administration reverted to a centralised system for
critical government functions. Through district authorities, the Central Government Ministry determines
and instructs on the content of plans and programmes at the Shehia level – the lowest administrative layer
in local government. Based on these findings, the study recommends granting local government authorities’
greater administrative discretion and limiting the powers of the central government by ensuring adherence
to the existing institutional framework.

Challenges of Information and Communication Technology Application in Executing Ward Executive Officers' Functions in Mbulu Town Council, Tanzania

2025-08-08T08:44:29-04:00

The study investigated challenges to the effective application of Information and Communication
Technologies in the execution of the functions of Ward Executive Officers in Mbulu Town Council,
Manyara Region, Tanzania. Despite the installation of information and communication technology
facilities in ward offices, their use in daily administrative and governance activities remains limited,
prompting the need to understand the underlying barriers. A qualitative approach was adopted, using an
exploratory case study design. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 17
purposively selected Ward Executive Officers. Secondary data were obtained by reviewing relevant
institutional documents, including the council's information and communication technology policy,
procurement reports, and operational records. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The
findings show that the applicability of information and communication technology in ward-level
governance is significantly constrained by multiple interrelated challenges. Major barriers include
unreliable power supply, limited information and communication technology knowledge and skills, lack of
preventive maintenance, low willingness to adopt technology, and severe budget constraints. Additional
issues, such as resistance to change, inadequate infrastructure, and limited ICT literacy, further hinder
effective implementation. Although information and communication technology have the potential to
enhance efficiency, service delivery, and citizen engagement, these obstacles continue to undermine its
benefits. The study concludes that overcoming these challenges requires collaborative, multi-stakeholder
efforts among central and local government agencies, information and communication technology
training institutions, development partners, non-government organizations, and the ward executive
officers themselves. It recommends implementing comprehensive, continuous training programs,
improving information and communication technology infrastructure (especially reliable power),
establishing maintenance systems, and ensuring consistent budget allocation for digital initiatives.
Addressing these barriers is essential to unlocking the full potential of information and communication
technology and advancing effective, transparent, and inclusive local governance in Tanzania.

Legal and Practical Challenges in the Implementation of Public Right of Access to Public Leaders' Asset Declarations in Tanzania

2026-06-05T02:05:31-04:00

Public right of access to leaders' asset declarations is key to democratic governance
and public leaders’ integrity and accountability. The Government of Tanzania
constitutionalized and codified this right since 1995. Nonetheless, practical
implementation of this right has remained insignificant. For instance, between 2003
and 2020, there were only 14 individual’s inspection requests lodged. Except one
request, all were denied without reasons and only one petition to the High Court was
made to challenge the denial. The paper argues that, the ineffective implementation of
this right is caused by legal and institutional weaknesses, limited public awareness,
pervasive secrecy culture and inadequate political will. The paper recommends for
comprehensive legal framework review, allocation of enough funds to the Ethics
secretariat, continuous provision of public awareness and sensitization, regular
capacity building and re-branding of the Ethics secretariat in order to change its
negative public image.

An Investigation into Maize Yield Utilization Practices and Challenges Faced by Small- scale Farmers in Kondoa District, Tanzania

2026-06-05T02:11:31-04:00

Maize remains the cornerstone of rural livelihoods in Tanzania, particularly among small-
scale farmers in semi-arid regions such as Kondoa District. However, persistent poverty and
livelihood vulnerability among maize-producing households raise critical questions
regarding the extent to which maize production and utilization translate into sustainable
livelihood outcomes. This study examines maize yield utilization practices and the challenges
facing small-scale farmers in Kondoa District, guided by the Sustainable Livelihood
Framework (SLF). Specifically, the study analyses how maize utilization contributes to
livelihood improvement, the extent to which income derived from maize is reinvested into
livelihood-enhancing activities, and the structural and environmental constraints limiting
these outcomes. A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was employed, integrating
quantitative data from 406 household surveys with qualitative insights from key informant
interviews and focus group discussions. The findings reveal that maize is predominantly
utilized for household consumption, income generation, local processing, and socio-cultural
functions, making it a central livelihood asset. Income derived from maize supports food
security, education, healthcare, and reinvestment into small businesses and agricultural
expansion, thereby contributing to the accumulation of financial, human, and physical capital.
Despite these contributions, the study identifies critical challenges that constrain the effective
transformation of maize utilization into sustainable livelihoods. These include market
inefficiencies, price volatility, inadequate storage facilities, limited access to credit, weak
extension services, gender disparities, and increasing climate variability. These constraints
disrupt livelihood strategies and reduce the capacity of households to accumulate assets and
build resilience.The study concludes that while maize utilization has significant potential to
enhance rural livelihoods, its impact remains mediated by structural, institutional, and
environmental factors. It recommends integrated policy interventions focusing on improving
market systems, strengthening rural infrastructure, enhancing access to financial and
extension services, and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices. Such interventions