The influence of participatory budgeting on public service delivery: A case of Nanyumbu District Council, Mtwara, Tanzania

Helena Hyera; Mary Mohammed Rutenge

doi:10.51867/ajernet.6.4.98

Authors

Helena Hyera Mzumbe University, Dar es Salaam Campus College, Tanzania
Mary Mohammed Rutenge Mzumbe University, Dar es Salaam Campus College, Tanzania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5649-7496

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.6.4.98

Keywords:

Mtwara, Nanyumbu District Council, Participatory Budgeting, Public Service Delivery, Tanzania

Abstract

This study explores the influence of participatory budgeting on public service delivery in Nanyumbu District Council, Mtwara, Tanzania. The study was guided by institutional theory. The target population was 580 people. The research adopted a descriptive research design, with a sample of 237 respondents selected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews, enabling the researcher to capture both quantitative and qualitative insights. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that participatory budgeting is transparent and fair, contributing to service delivery outcomes. Furthermore, the data indicated that challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, lack of awareness, resource limitations, political interference, and low citizen participation hindered the effectiveness of participatory budgeting in Nanyumbu district. The study recommends strengthening civic education, institutionalizing feedback mechanisms, and enhancing technological tools to improve the effectiveness and inclusiveness of participatory budgeting at the local level.

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