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Public Expenditure Tracking (PET) in Tanzania at district-level: effects on local accountability
PETS increase accountability in Tanzania, but much work remains to be done
Authors:
K. de Graaf
Publisher:
SNV Tanzania, 2005
Public Expenditure Tracking Surveys (PETS) are increasingly used at district level as a tool to make budget flows transparent from local government to service delivery agents. Comparing different methodologies used by NGOs in Tanzania, this paper examines whether accountability is enhanced and responsiveness is increased of local governments through using PETS. It also provides recommendations for increased impact.
The paper finds that the approaches followed by the various NGOs differed considerably, in terms of desired outcome, size and detail, methodology and commitment. In addition, a general common feature of the tracking studies was, and this was concluded by the NGOs to be a weakness in their approach, that little use is made of existing financial and statistical data.
To improve Public Expenditure Tracking Surveys in Tanzania, the five NGO’s involved in the research recommended four key elements for an improved methodology of PETS in Tanzania:
- it is crucial to build the capacity of the wider participants group, in order to ensure that all involved understand the bigger picture and are not merely information providers or interviewers
- involving the community and empower them to do the tracking is what should drive the exercise, not merely collecting and analysing data
- it is important to provide feedback of the results to all levels of stakeholders, in a way that addresses their concerns and that stimulates action and change
- surveys need to be tailored to suit the situation
The paper concludes that Public Expenditure Tracking Surveys in Tanzania do contribute to increased accountability, but much need to be done to improve efficiency and efficacy.
