African Journal of Public Affairs Volume 9, Number 4 (2016)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/59922

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Front matter, African Journal of Public Affairs, Volume 9, Number 4
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016)
Influence of sector wide monitoring and evaluation (M&E) on the performance of Justice, Law and Order in Uganda
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Arinaitwe, Herbert; Asiimwe, Elizabeth Margret
This article analyses the influence of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) on the Justice, Law and Order sector’s (JLOS) performance as a case study of Sector Wide Approaches (SWAPs). The research focused on sector performance indicators and their influence on the attainment of the JLOS’s goals and to examine the influence of JLOS M&E structural arrangements on sector performance. The findings revealed that recasting, planning and provision of feedback were required. However, there is increased concentration on output indicators. M&E structural arrangements were not very well developed and there was lack of an integrated M&E system and weak linkages between institutional M&E and sector schedules. The study findings further indicate that though the sector has an M&E communication framework (as stated by 60% of respondents) there is limited consideration of M&E findings as stated by 51% of respondents. 88% of the respondents said M&E funding was inadequate, raising a challenge for implementation.
Towards the construction of unobtrusive research techniques : critical considerations when conducting a literature analysis
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Auriacombe, C.J.
This article focuses on specific dimensions and processes when applying unobtrusive research techniques. In general, unobtrusive research techniques study social behaviour to eliminate bias and promote conceptual and contextual analysis. These techniques can be applied to both quantitative and qualitative research. This article advances an understanding of unobtrusive research techniques. It extends guidelines on their uses to facilitate a better conceptual understanding of how unobtrusive research techniques can be intertwined creatively with other qualitative and quantitative research methods to advance scholarship. The article is structured as follows: Firstly, the article provides a brief explanation of methodology and research design. This is followed by an overview of conceptualising specific aspects that are related to the application and outcomes of applying unobtrusive research methods. The applications that are discussed include the literature study, as well as theoretical, conceptual and analytical frameworks. This is followed by an explanation of selective principles of unobtrusive research techniques. Hereafter, a discussion of conceptual, content and historical comparative analysis provides further insight. Furthermore, the article also discusses the strengths and weaknesses of unobtrusive techniques. In conclusion, possible steps to be followed when unobtrusive research techniques are used are also provided.
Blended-learning approaches and the teaching of monitoring and evaluation programmes in African universities : unmasking the UTAMU approach
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Basheka, Benon C.; Lubega, Jude T.; Baguma, R.
The demand for monitoring and evaluation capacity in Africa sharply exceeds the supply. This has increased pressure on universities to produce the needed quality of M&E experts. While some commendable progress has been made, significant gaps remain in the way of any efforts to produce the needed human resources with expertise, competencies, skills and tools in the field. The number of teachers for M&E has remained glaringly weak and the resources within universities remain poor. Many universities have introduced curricula in the field but they have remained stuck to the traditional ways of delivering these curricula. The traditional way entails students being full-time at universities and rarely has there been adoption of ICT opportunities. Indeed, the graduates that have been produced remain stunted in the use of ICT for addressing some of the field’s solutions. To address this problem, we propose a blended-learning approach to the teaching of M&E in Africa. With the blended approach, students across a variety of disciplines, faculties, countries and levels can study in the same classroom environment. The UTAMU e-learning model is advanced to provide a justification for this approach.
Developing an Africa-rooted programme evaluation approach
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Cloete, Fanie
There is a growing concern across the globe that a one-size-fits-all programme evaluation approach according to the Western evaluation model is not always appropriate in culturally and developmentally different contexts. The history of evaluation in Africa is a case in point, but it is an open question to what extent this implies a totally new ‘African’ evaluation approach or ‘paradigm’ that can be regarded as substantially different from a so-called Western programme evaluation paradigm. Clarity is needed about what changes should be brought about for the prevailing Western model of programme evaluation to be more appropriate to Africa and how these differences should be dealt with. The concept of a more appropriate Africa-rooted programme evaluation management model has now been explicitly placed on the evaluation agenda in Africa. Proposals for a coherent and dedicated implementation plan for the Bellagio Report proposals are summarised in this article. These proposals do not amount to a substitution of the prevailing model of evaluation, but rather to a customisation of the model for the African continent. A dedicated project management effort under the auspices of AfrEA and its member VOPE associations is necessary to do this. SAMEA can and should play a very strategic role in this regard.
Challenges in implementing monitoring and evaluation (M&E) : the case of the Mfolozi Municipality
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Jili, N.N.; Mthethwa, R.M.
Globally, citizens want better and more services to maintain or improve their livelihoods. In South Africa, local government is responsible for delivering basic services (e.g. access to potable water, proper sanitation, a sustainable electricity supply, and regular waste removal), in collaboration with other spheres of government, to enhance quality of life and local democracy. To improve service delivery, municipalities must design and implement comprehensive monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems to facilitate continuous assessment, M&E of municipal structures, systems and processes, in line with municipalities’ integrated development plans (IDPs), service delivery outcomes, and operational plans to implement the budget. This case study on challenges hampering successful implementation of M&E in the Mfolozi municipality found that shortage of skills and lack of financial resources contribute to the ineffectiveness of M&E. The article concludes by recommending remedial actions to address the identified challenges, namely employing and retaining highly skilled workers from an increasingly diverse and mobile labour market. In addition, the municipality should involve the local community in the planning and execution of projects to ensure their success.
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining and food security : an ecological perspective
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Nabaasa, Herbert
Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) is one of the emerging economic activities in Uganda and thousands of local communities are involved in the gold rush. The majority of artisanal miners have abandoned other economic enterprises, such as agriculture, with the hope of improving their living standards. Given the ecological and socio-economic challenges that characterise artisanal mining sector, several questions have been raised regarding its capacity to meet the miners’ economic needs, such as food security. The author followed an exploratory-descriptive cross-sectional study design using qualitative and quantitative methods to gain a deeper understanding of how artisanal and small-scale gold mining influences food security. A total of 384 respondents were selected from a pool of artisans, minining-rights holders and local leaders. Data was collected using observation checklists, survey questionnaires and interview guides. Specific variables of interest were subjected to bivariate analysis, where respondents were included in the analysis after a log likelihood ratio test. The results showed that 96% of the dependent variables were well displayed by the variables in the model, with a sensitivity of 93.2% and a specificity of 91.6%. The findings indicated that the majority of the artisanal and small-scale miners (71%) who had changed from other livelihood enterprises such as agriculture, had less food security and lower incomes to support their economic needs. To improve food security and income in mining communities, government and other sector players should prioritise strategies, such as formalisation, legalisation and awareness.
First count the cost: privatising urban waste management services in sub-Saharan Africa
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Osei-Kojo, Alex
While privatisation has benefits, it must be approached with caution. Using qualitative methods, this article presents scenarios for consideration in privatising urban waste management in sub-Saharan Africa. This study employed purposive sampling in organising relevant literature and also used secondary data from journal articles, government reports and documents for analyses. Results indicate that privatisation of urban waste management services should consider the following: the possibility of a market failure; corruption in the private sector, poor service delivery; and prevalence of inefficiency. This study has implications for city managers and planners in deciding whether or not to privatise urban waste management services in sub-Saharan Africa.
The interface between the role and significance of the Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA) and Rwanda’s decentralisation mandate
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Serubanza, Faustin
Decentralisation is considered as one of the most effective ways to ensure good local governance. This is despite the fact that the process has been unsuccessful in a number of countries. National associations of local authorities have claimed to play a role in facilitating decentralisation processes. This article aims to contextualise the decentralisation process in Rwanda. It discusses the role of local government associations in general before singling out the case of the Rwandese Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA), in particular. To provide insight, its origin, evolution, functioning and significance in facilitating the decentralisation process in Rwanda is explored. The article concludes that RALGA has played a positive role in the effective implementation of Rwanda’s decentralisation process The association has played a key role in creating a conducive environment for its members to accomplish their responsibilities towards the decentralisation mandate. According to the mandate, local authorities are accountable to the state and the local communities they serve. In conclusion, the article proposes a review of the interface between the role and significance of RALGA and Rwandan decentralisation.
Exploring the relationship between good governance and development in Sub-Saharan Africa : lessons from South America
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Ukwandu, D.C.; Jarbandhan, Vain
Africa remains the poorest continent in the world. Intellectuals from Africa and the broader international community have advanced many reasons for poverty and underdevelopment on the continent. Reasons provided include slavery, geography, poor health, culture, globalisation and colonialism. This article acknowledges that these reasons do, to an extent, contribute to the continent’s developmental challenges. However, arguably poor governance is the main developmental obstacle in sub-Saharan Africa. As such, the authors believe that good governance is the core catalyst to facilitate development. Thanks to good governance, other parts of the world that were subjected to the same historical trajectory of slave trade and colonialism have managed to show profound growth. Notably, focus on good governance was particularly effective in developing parts of South America. The article concludes that unless sub-Saharan Africa adopts this type of good governance approach, the dream of development may continue to be elusive.
The relationship between indirect rule and Quranic education : considerations for the emergence of Boko Haram terrorism in Northern Nigeria
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Ukwandu, D.C.
This article reviews the historical legacy of the British policy of indirect rule and how its colonial policy of preserving the local traditions of the people through Quranic education contributed to the rise of Boko Haram terrorism. The narrative of hatred and anger against Western education is deeply ingrained and rooted in the political and religious culture of the region. Hence, the article traces the continuities between the colonial past and post-colonial Northern Nigeria and unveils the similarities contained therein. This article asserts that the policy of indirect rule and the official apathy towards Islamic and Quranic education in the region has led to this rise of unregulated and unreformed fundamentalist Quranic schools in Northern Nigeria. Under British rule, Quranic education in Northern Nigeria was left unregulated and unchecked due to fear of a backlash from the region’s religious and political leaders. The British needed these leaders to further consolidate colonial rule in the area. Although the colonial government was aware of the enormous danger of spreading Islamic fundamentalism, the region remained unregulated. This governmental apathy towards reforming the basic tenets of Quranic schools persisted in post- independence Nigeria. The article also suggests that efforts to combat Boko Haram terrorism in Northern Nigeria should involve policies to reform and regulate the thousands of Quranic schools in the north. These schools target desperately poor, unemployed and unemployable young men and women, who are recruited easily as foot soldiers by Boko Haram leaders.
Leadership and the impact of the emerging concept of firm‑hand leadership on economic growth and democracy in Africa
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Uwizeyimana, Dominique E.
During the past few decades, debate surrounding the role of a firm-hand leadership style (command-and-control, authoritarian leadership or dictatorship) to bolster rapid economic growth took place in some East-Asian Tiger countries, such as Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea. Western development partners, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s African Governance Initiative (AGI), as well as leaders like President Bill Clinton and Tony Blair praised this type of leadership. These institutions, initiatives and individuals praise this approach, as it led to economic growth in some African countries. Rwanda and Ethiopia are often identified as two prominent performers in this regard. Western donors and international financial institutions (IFIs) are now arguing that the rest of Africa should replicate the East- Asian Tigers’ Developmental State model to achieve economic development. However, literature on leadership styles rejects firm-hand leadership outright as a “debilitating style” (Weir 2011:1). Literature in this regard states that Africa has been under authoritarian regimes since time immemorial and the very leadership style that is currently believed to lead to economic growth in the East-Asian Tiger countries and certain African countries was also blamed for having contributed to Africa’s under-development. This contradictory state of affairs leads to an important question: What did previous African firm-hand leaders in Rwanda and Ethiopia do, or fail to do compared to their counterparts’ current initiatives to achieve the same economic growth? This article aims to explore and contextualise the concept of firm-hand leadership within the broader leadership framework. Furthermore, it sets out to uncover in what way post-independence African leaders, who were described in the literature as dictators and authoritarian, ruined their countries’ economies. The article also uncovers and reports on contemporary firm-hand leaders in Africa’s alternative approach to develop their countries’ economies. Finally, the article attempts to unpack the theoretical intricacies that surround the concept in order to delineate critical success factors for this type of leadership on the African context.
Towards an E-Governance competency framework for public service managers : the South African experiment
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Van der Waldt, Gerrit
The emergence of the so-called networked or knowledge society profoundly transforms governance approaches on a global scale by introducing new forms of collaboration and exchange between society and government. Government institutions and agencies had to respond by optimally utilising ICT technology to facilitate e-governance applications for improved interactions with society. In light of this context a skilled and competent workforce for the application of appropriate e-governance technologies is essential. As the administrative leaders of executive institutions (i.e. government departments), civil service managers have to champion and oversee all e-governance applications and practices. Various general training models for capacity-building of civil service managers exist, but a comprehensive competency framework for their e-readiness as far as e-governance applications are concerned, is largely absent. Such a competency framework should be congruent with the unique governance circumstances, applications, operations, e-governance praxis, regulatory framework, and the ICT infrastructure-growth trajectory of a particular country. The purpose of this article is threefold. Firstly, it will outline contextual perspectives regarding the utilisation of ICT in promoting e-governance in general, including an analysis of the seemingly insufficient alignment between government operational demands and the e-readiness (i.e. competencies) of civil service managers. Secondly, the article will explore the South African Government’s initiatives in promoting e-governance competencies of its civil service; and thirdly, it will propose a comprehensive competency framework for civil service managers based on a comparative analysis of various models and best practice around the globe.

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