Administrative decentralization and socio-economic development in Mogadishu Local Government, Somalia

Abstract

The study sought to examine the relationship between administrative decentralization and socio-economic development in Mogadishu Local Government, Somalia. The study objectives were; to determine the effect of delegation on socio-economic development, to examine the effect of devolution on socio-economic development and to establish the effect of deconcentration on socio-economic development. The study was based on the sequential theory developed by Falleti in (2004). The study was based on the sequential theory developed by Falleti in (2004). This study adopted sequential research design on a sample size of 331 participants. Two sampling techniques were used; purposive sampling and systematic sampling techniques. Both primary and secondary data was used. Primary data was collected from the respondents through self-administered questionnaire and key informant interview guide. The data was presented in tabular form with frequencies, percentages and descriptive statistics. Results revealed that there is a positive significant relationship between delegation, devolution, deconcentration and socio-economic development with 0.082, 0.913 and 0.695 Pearson correlation coefficient values respectively. The study concluded that effective transfer of responsibility for planning, financing and managing public functions, from the central government to lower levels of government improves the efficiency and effectiveness of government provided goods and services. The study recommends that the government should review and improve local economic development in Mogadishu through engaging community members. Transparency at the local level should also be enhanced through score cards for public services.