Abstract:
This study aimed at determining effectiveness of Local Government Monitoring
Database (LGMD) in the realisation of Local Government Reform Programme (LGRP)
in Ludewa District. The specific objectives were; (i) to examine the type of support
provided by the district to villages to facilitate data gathering, management and
utilization; (ii) its effects on development planning and monitoring in the district; (iii)
to identify problems which hinder performance of LGMD; and (iv) to assess factors
that influence effective operation of LGMD and comparison of performance of LGMD
operation between semi urban and rural villages. Stratified sampling was used to obtain
sample of 20 villages, 10 being semi urban and other 10 were rural villages. From these
20 villages a sample of 120 respondents was drawn. Sampling unit for this study was
an- information provider drawn from members of village assembly and extension staff
working with the community. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using
interview schedule administered to
information providers and observation was also
used during survey. Data analysis was done using Statistical Packages for Social
Science (SPSS). An ordinary least square model was used to determine the influence of
independent variables on the level of effective operation of LGMD. The study revealed
that there is no significant difference in the performance of LGMD operation between
semi urban and rural villages. This is due to the short life span of the project to
manifest true characters of effect in LGMD operation. However, preliminary signs
show that there is difference in effectiveness of LGMD between semi urban and rural
settings- implying the need of having consideration of urban or rural and metropolitan
or periphery conditions on programmes which are to operate throughout the country. Since LGMD is owned by Government and extend from national to community level
the Government should consider financing data collection and management to ensure
its effectiveness.
