Efficacy of Constituency Development Catalyst Fund in Tanzania: The Case of Mwanga and Moshi Urban Constituencies

Abstract

Purpose: The Tanzanian model of managing Constituency Development Catalyst Fund (CDCF) has invested overwhelming power to Members of Parliament (MP). Constitutionally, management of public fund is entrusted to the executive branch. However, literatures have shown that politicians put their political interest in the forefront. This creates doubt whether the CDCF is managed in efficient way to achieve designated goals. Thus, this study sets out to assess the efficacy of Constituency Development Catalyst Fund in Tanzania. It has investigated the performance of the fund in Moshi Urban and Mwanga constituencies. 

Methodology: The study has utilized a cross-sectional research design employing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Closed and Semi structured Open-ended questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect information from respondents both in Local and Central Government Authorities. Respondents were sampled using non-probability technique. The study applied content analysis to analyze information from respondents. 

Results: Findings show that whereas 60% of Ward Executive Officers (WEOs) at Mwanga constituency associated the allocation of CDCF projects to have been influenced by political decision, only 40% of respondents at Moshi Urban Constituency considered the allocation decisions to be politically prejudiced. Moreover, the findings of the study inform that CDCF has increasingly grown popular in recent times. The fund has been significantly effective in addressing development challenges amounting to nuisances especially in periphery areas. However, the study found existence of elements of political biasness and mismanagement of the fund that impaired efficacy of the fund. 

Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study concluded with appealing relevant authorities to craft policies that would discourage the use of the CDCF for political investments and recommended on strengthening social audit and Monitoring and Evaluation for improved performances of the CDCF. Other studies should focus on accountability on the management of the CDCF.