A Users' Guide to Measuring Local Governance

Contents
Acknowledgements
Acronyms
v
vi
Introduction 1
Chapter 1: Assessments of Local Governance 5
1.1 What is local governance? 5
1.2 Universal priorities for local governance 6
1.3 Measuring local governance 7
1.4 Why assessing local governance? 7
1.5 What can the assessment focus on? 8
1.6 Understanding the normative foundation of assessments 9
1.7 Ensuring multi-stakeholder participation 11
1.8 What kinds of indicators should be used? 13
1.9 Selecting gender and poverty sensitive indicators 14
1.10 What kinds of data should be used? 16
1.11 Key contextual factors influencing the policy impact of assessment results 18
1.12 Using assessment results to strengthen downward and upward accountability 20
1.13 Institutional opportunities for policy uptake 22
Chapter 2: Voices from the Trenches 27
2.1 Choosing an appropriate assessment framework 27
2.2 Dealing with complex methodologies 27
2.3 Adapting tools to local contexts 28
2.4 Managing a multiplicity of purposes 28
2.5 Maximizing participation in assessments 29
2.6 Incentives and sustainability 30
Chapter 3: Case Studies 35
Case Study 1:
Case Study 2:
Case Study 3:
Case Study 4:
Facilitating commitment and involvement:
The role of a local government official 35
Moving from government to the concept of governance:
The role of a civil society activist 37
Balancing comparability with local relevance:
The role of a representative from a local government association 39
Ensuring uptake of assessment findings in local policy-making:
The role of a local elected government official 41
References 43