The role of citizen participation in planning process for local economic development : A case study of Gasabo District.

Abstract

The role of citizens' participation in local economic development can be located in centralised approach to localised or lower structures of government and have been employed by Rwanda for promotion of good governance, service delivery and aligning development to citizen's needs. However, success of this approach has been generalised but actual benefits has not fully been documented. Three objectives guided the study; to assess the degree to which citizens has access to existing forums for citizens' participation in planning process; to explore the role of citizens' participation in planning for local development; to explore the role of citizens' participation in planning process and local government performance contracts. The study was anchored on the theory of Group Behaviour theory and Empowerment Theory. Descriptive research design was applied in the study with study area as Gasabo district. Both secondary and primary data sources were utilized. A questionnaire was employed to collect primary data and secondary data drawn from library sources, books, e-books, government policies and other publications. Findings indicated that Rwanda adopted centralized system of governance and the role of citizen‟s participation in planning helps the government to align policies and development programs with citizen needs. The study concluded that citizen involvement contributed to increase of revenue collection. The study confirms that participation in performance contracts improves efficiency and guarantees translation plans into results on grounds. The study demonstrated participation of citizens monitoring and evaluation improved accountability, transparency and proper management of public funds. The study also identified disconnection in communication at various levels of administrative entities which affect effectiveness of citizens‟ participation. Finally, it was evident from the study that citizen participation improves their ownership and social equity. The study recommended the government to establish suitable and affordable communication mechanisms to facilitate consultations with citizens. Finally, recommended future research to conduct an impact assessment to ascertain benefits in quantitative terms as result of citizens‟ participation.