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Implementation of
decentralisation support
Group 1: The role of donors as change agents
How to design and implement policy dialogue
at national and sub-national levels?

Dialogue with whom? This relates to the necessity
to consider decentralisation as complex systems
and there for requiring a systemic support system.
 How to establish and to ensure meaningful
dialogue? And on what topics?
 What are tips and tricks to ensure meaning full
dialogue?
Policy dialogue – DPWG-LGD
 National decentralisation strategy with a clear vision and reforms
necessary is key starting point
 Enhance ownership through joint political analysis of the LGD and
policy dialogue. Look at
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legal framework of decentralisation
financial resources adequate to undertake functions;
sufficient human resources;
effective mechanisms for local level accountability
Support by relevant central institutional arrangements
 Include parliamentarians, non state actors and local governments.
 Made sure that all DPs adhere and work in compliance with
national decentralisation strategy
 Ensure dialogue on DLG – PRSP, public sector reforms, DLG
mainstreaming in sector plans
Policy dialogue – DPWG-LGD
Typology of countries  different focus of dialogue
 actively decentralising countries”
 “advanced intermediate decentralising countries”,
 “early intermediate decentralising countries”,
 non-decentralising countries” or fragile states/post-conflict situations
 For all situations:
Start with joint analysis of LGD processes and institutional framework
Do not wait until all DPs commit to A&H.
Monitor progress made towards harmonisation (peer reviews).
Make sure that A&H strategies include coordination between DLG and sector
processes
 Harmonise support to civil society participating in processes of DLG. (Basket
funds show good results)
 Work towards a common technical assistance plan.
 Joint monitoring, evaluation and audit mechanisms is a key issue.
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Policy dialogue – Tanzania
Decentralisation
by devolution
Parliament
CSOs
NSAs
DPs
Accountable
Governance
GoT
Anticorruption
LGRP
CWG3
LSRP
PSRP
DP
Political
Officers
PFMRP
BEST
Figure 1, Cluster 3 GWG: Dialogue Structure
Tanzanian Poverty Reduction Strategy Cluster III: Governance & Accountability
•Public Service Reform, Local Government Reform, Public Financial Reform,
•Legal Sector Reform, Anti-Corruption Strategy,+ sector reforms
Dialogue in Uganda and
Burkina
 With the ministry in charge of local governments –
technical dialogue
 With the ministry of finance and prime minister’s
offices – political dialogue.
 Decentralisation as sectoral-like approach
Dialogue in Uganda - dreams
 Dreams about dialogue for
LGD:
 Dialogue with central and
local government, CSOs.
 Values : local government in
the driver seat, trust,
equality
 Important dialogue
objectives : policy
mechanism, that makes
sure that all policies in other
sectors are in compliance
with those of LGD
Uganda workshop- October 2009.
Key Principles for Balancing support
Central level
Capacity
development support
at all levels
Stimulating execution
of discretionary
powers
Apply principles of
subsidiarity
Involving different
actors
Local level
Propose new
accountability
mechanisms
Recognising
specificity of
sectors
Supporting sector
ownership & donors
coordination
The
premise
Debate
Dialogue
In any situation, there is one
right answer or perspective;
normally my own
In any situation there are many
right answers and perspectives;
including my own
The goal To win, to be right, sell the idea, Understand the other from
persuade or convince
his/her perspective (doesn’t mean
agreeing)
The
attitude
Evaluative and critical
Curious and open
The
focus
What is lacking this idea or
perspective? Weak points?
What is new? Of value? What can
I learn?
Behavio
ur
Talk more than listen
Listening with judgement
Inquiry to question the other
My assumption as the Truth
Listen more than talk
Listen with no judgement
Inquiry to clarify and understand
My assumprion as an alternative
Tips & tricks for successful dialogue
Supporting decentralisation and local governance in third countries, EuropeAid, 2007
Thank you for your attention !!