Decentralization and devolution in local development: Evidence from Nongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District, Sierra Leone

Abstract

Decentralization and devolution have become important approaches to strengthening local governance, improving public service delivery and increasing citizens' participation in development decision-making. In Sierra Leone, the restoration of elected local government sought to bring governance and essential services closer to local communities after decades of highly centralized administration. This study examined decentralization and devolution in local development in Nongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District, Sierra Leone. Specifically, it assessed the contribution of decentralization and devolution to local development and service delivery, examined community participation and accountability in decentralized development processes, and identified the major challenges affecting effective decentralization and devolution. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. The study used mixed methods, combining questionnaires with key-informant interviews. A sample of 80 respondents was selected from residents and relevant local governance stakeholders in Nongowa Chiefdom. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and percentages, while qualitative information was analysed thematically. The findings indicated that decentralization had contributed to local development, particularly through improved infrastructure and access to selected public services. However, community participation in planning and decision-making remained uneven. Inadequate financial resources, limited local revenue, institutional capacity constraints and incomplete transfer of authority and resources emerged as important barriers to effective devolution. The study concluded that decentralization has considerable potential to promote local development in Nongowa Chiefdom, but its effectiveness depends on meaningful citizen participation, stronger local institutional capacity, adequate fiscal resources and effective transfer of responsibilities from central to local government. The study recommended strengthening local revenue mobilization, participatory development planning, accountability mechanisms and the administrative and financial capacity of local institutions.