Examining Transparency and Accountability in the Management of Constituency Development Catalyst Fund in Tanzania: The Case of Mwanga Constituency in Kilimanjaro Region

Abstract

The Government of Tanzania is spending approximately TZS 12.5 billion annually for accelerating development projects at a constituency level, following the enactment of the Constituency Development Catalyst Fund (CDCF) Act of 2009. The Fund’s unique feature rests in its management by elected members of pparliament supposed to oversee executives. This has raised eyebrows among academics and practitioners on the accountability of its management. This study, therefore, examines accountability and transparency in the management of CDCF in Tanzania using the Mwanga Constituency as a case study. The study employed a crosssectional research design utilizing a qualitative approach. Semistructured interview guides were used for data collection, and the data were subjected to content analysis. The key findings of the study manifest secretive management practices of the Fund that limit access to information to citizens. These practices overlook sound governance principles, and are unhealthy for efficient and effective management of public resources. Furthermore, the means for holding entrusted officials accountable were primarily limited to the ballot box and judicial mechanism. The study appeals to relevant authorities to devise means that would give the legal community free access to information. Thus the study recommends meritocratic employment than political value-laden management of the fund so that the community gets value for their money.

Keywords: accountability, transparency, participation, CDCF, good governance