Developments in Local Government: A View from the Ground

AREU’s local governance research was undertaken throughout 2010 in the provinces of Sar-i-Pul, Jawzjan, Samangan, Laghman, Wardak, Day Kundi and Helmand. The project addresses the country’s diverse array of local government structures, examining formal and informal structures, administrative and elected bodies, and the interactions between them. Through exploring the interplay between representation, resources, development and security, it aims to provide a qualitative assessment of local governance in Afghanistan.

The research found that insufficient attention has been given to local governance in Afghanistan, despite the fact that most Afghan citizens encounter the state in provinces and districts. This neglect is inhibiting the significant efforts made in Kabul from having much impact on the ground. Key findings include that:

* Money available for services and infrastructure is not being spent

* Planning takes place centrally and local needs are overlooked

* State authority is not significantly devolved, meaning local representative bodies are unable to hold local government to account

* Policies are confused and complex, creating overlapping structures

* Separation of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary is unclear

* Donor policies remain uncoordinated and contribute to misaligned government structures