Implementing pro-poor policies in a decentralized context: the case of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Program in Tanzania

摘要

This paper examines the challenge of achieving\uda balance between the implementation of centrally\uddesigned pro-poor policies and the decentralization of\udresponsibilities to local governments in many African\udcountries. It analyzes the implementation of the Rural\udWater Supply and Sanitation Program in Tanzania. Key\udmechanisms for planning and allocating resources are\udanalyzed at ministry, district, and village levels. Results\udshow that a mixture of policy incoherencies, technical\udshortcomings and political influence determine that only a\udsmall proportion of funds reaches the underserved areas.\udWe argue that a greater connection between the bottom-up\udand top-down planning mechanisms, and a sharp increase\udof downwards accountability are needed before decentral-\udized decision-making result in better resources allocation.\udMeanwhile a bigger intervention from central government\udis needed.