Community awareness, civic participation and accountability in the utilisation of constituency development funds in Monze central constituency, Zambia

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish if there is civic participation, community awareness, accountability in the utilisation of constituency development funds. Further, the study ascertained if constituency development funds were used in the alleviation of socio-economic challenges in Monze Central Constituency. The study was guided by the following objectives: to establish whether there is community awareness in the utilisation of constituency development funds; to determine whether there is Civic participation in the utilisation of constituency development funds; to assess whether there is accountability in the utilisation of constituency development funds and to ascertain if constituency development funds are used in alleviating socio-economic challenges (poverty) in Monze Central Constituency. The study was anchored on qualitative research approach and a qualitative descriptive research design was utilised. A total of 51 respondents participated in the study from the target population. These were Civic Leaders for Monze Central Constituency, Constituency Development Committee Members, Parliamentary Assistants for Monze Constituency, Council Officers linked to CDFs, headmen and community members (beneficiaries). Data was obtained through semi-structured interviews, focused groups discussions, observation and document analysis. Collected data for the study were thematically analysed. The study established that; many community members were aware of the existence of constituent development funds. This was demonstrated through the possession of knowledge on the concept CDF, source of CDFs, knowledge on the stakeholders involved in the use of CDFs and their roles in utilisation of CDFs. The study also established that there is low civic participation in the utilization of constituency development funds. The study showed that at implementation stage of CDF funded projects community members were side-lined in identification, monitoring the projects and generally all constituency development funds processes. The study findings also suggest that at implementation of CDFs projects there was no accountability. Community members were not availed with information on how CDFs were being spent and that constituency development funds has had positive socio-economic impacts in Monze central constituency in various ways. The study recommends the continuous need to publicise more information on constituency development funds and need for more consultative forums on the use of constituency development funds in the constituency. Community members need to be actively involved in the monitoring of all projects funded through constituency development funds. Key words: community awareness, civic participation, accountability, socio-economic impact and constituency development funds.