Assessing the effectiveness of participatory budgeting in Ntchisi district, Malawi

Abstract

Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a tool for promoting democracy and equitable distribution of public resources. Malawi adopted district-level PB in 2013 to improve civic engagement, achieve inclusive citizen participation and to ensure municipal accountability in public funds. A decade has passed now but questions remain about its effectiveness. This study assessed the effectiveness of PB in projects funded under the District Development Fund (DDF) in Ntchisi District, Malawi. It focused on evaluating citizen participation, political will and role of civil society organisations throughout a seven-staged PB process. Using semi-structured questionnaires, 84 PB participants were interviewed following purposive sampling and respondents’ identification through snow balling in Traditional Authorities Kalumo and Chikho. In-depth interviews were conducted with government officials at district and national levels. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were held with selected Area Development Committees (ADCs) and Village Development Committees (VDCs). Study revealed non-participation in five initial stages. PB was characterised by tokenistic participation in two final stages despite resource-constrained district council using strategic actions to ensure citizen participation. Robust political will at national and district levels was noticed but it was minimal at ADC and VDC evidenced by frequent absentia of ward councilors and parliamentarians at scheduled meetings. The CSOs played crucial oversight roles, advocated for policy reform, and promoted accountability and transparency. The study concludes that removing underlying social, economic and political barriers to active citizen participation will likely result in effective PB in DDF projects in Ntchisi district. It recommends increasing resource allocation to DDF by central government to fully implement PB stages, fostered collaboration between councilors and MPs, and ADC and VDC leadership for improved and timely feedback to communities on expenditure and budget trends, and strengthened district council-CSOs partnerships.