Decentralization as a Commitment to Rise Public Services and Improve Quality of Rural Life in Ethiopia: A Case Study

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to examine the implication of decentralization in rural areas of Ethiopia: Case of Tigray. The study aims to discuss effect of decentralization on service delivery and improving quality of life of some Weredas of rural Tigray focusing on education, health, and water point.To conduct this studies both; qualitative (phenomenological approach), and quantitative (household survey, and wereda level local government expenditure) data were used. Results indicate the positive effect of fiscal decentralization on service delivery. Likewise decentralization effect on improving quality of life is progressing but it is still minimal. Comparing with pre decentralization there are positive changes but there is a considerable differences on its corollary. The possible reason for differences to occur could be variations in agro-ecological condition, location or space, and capability of the decision makers.