ABSTRACT
Different responsibilities are assumed by different levels of government. In recent years, there has been a trend towards shifting increasing responsibility for planning and management from central government agencies to local government but, as well as operational activity, a measure of strategic planning is needed at every level. In outline:
Community level: management of their localities by groups responsible for particular services, eg water point or irrigation committee, school governors. Communities plan and implement activities from their own resources and may contribute to district plans.
District level: representation of the people; delivery of public services and infrastructure projects; management of a substantial district budget; maybe raising local revenue; strategic planning for the district including infrastructure, land use and allocation/regulation of water and other natural resources.
Provincial level: coordination of district plans, financial audit and provision of specialist services not available within districts, eg scientific, engineering and veterinary services.
National level: raising and distribution of revenue for public services; policy-making and strategic planning. In most countries, line ministries remain the main service providers, commonly through staff in provincial outstations.
