In the context of decentralization, Cameroonian municipalities face complex governance challenges. Self-assessment is a powerful tool for better understanding these challenges, but its effectiveness depends on the municipalities’ ability to use the results to improve their management.
In previous articles, we examined the essential dimensions of self-assessment and the key actors involved in this process. This third installment explores how municipalities can concretely use the results of self-assessment to initiate reforms, ensure ongoing stakeholder engagement, and guarantee effective monitoring and evaluation. Finally, we will examine the minimum conditions for success to fully benefit from this process.
I. Use the results to implement reforms
The self-assessment provides a comprehensive overview of local governance. But without effective implementation of the recommendations, these results remain theoretical. The first step is to identify priorities, develop a structured action plan, and mobilize the necessary resources.
1.1. Prioritization of identified areas of action
Not all self-assessment results can be addressed simultaneously. Prioritizing actions is essential to focus on the most urgent and high-impact issues.
- Best Practice: Use an Urgency and Importance Matrix
A prioritization matrix allows actions to be ranked according to their urgency and importance. For example, if financial governance issues are identified as critical, they must be addressed as a priority, as they directly impact the economic viability of the municipality.
1.2. Development of a structured action plan
Once priorities have been defined, a structured action plan helps ensure effective and measurable implementation of reforms.
- Best practice: Structure actions with SMART objectives and indicators.
SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound) objectives make it easier to track progress. For example, to address a lack of citizen participation, a SMART objective might be to organize at least three public consultations within six months with a target participation rate of 30%.
1.3. Mobilization of resources for the implementation of reforms
The success of reforms also depends on the availability of human, financial and technical resources.
- Best Practice: Identify and Solicit Strategic Partners
Municipalities should partner with local and international institutions, such as GIZ or AFD, to secure funding and technical assistance. Collaborations with local businesses and universities can also provide valuable expertise and resources.
By prioritizing, developing a specific action plan and mobilizing adequate resources, municipalities can translate the results of the self-assessment into concrete reforms to improve their governance.
II. Ensure the continued involvement of stakeholders in the implementation of results
Implementing the results of the self-assessment cannot be an isolated process. It requires ongoing stakeholder involvement, thus strengthening the legitimacy and transparency of the process.
2.1. Strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders
The involvement of stakeholders from the start of the self-assessment must be maintained throughout the implementation of reforms.
- Good practice: Create multi-stakeholder monitoring committees
These committees, composed of elected officials, municipal officials, citizens and CSOs, ensure rigorous monitoring of reforms and provide regular feedback to adjust actions.
2.2. Promotion of participatory and inclusive governance
Transparent and inclusive governance fosters citizen buy-in and builds trust in local institutions.
- Good practice: Establish regular citizen consultations
Municipalities should organize public consultations and encourage participation in open municipal councils, thus allowing citizens to monitor the progress of reforms and contribute to local decisions.
Continued stakeholder engagement ensures the transparency and legitimacy of reforms, building trust and citizen buy-in.
III. Establish continuous and reactive monitoring and evaluation
Continuous evaluation is essential to measure the impact of reforms and adjust actions based on the results obtained.
3.1. Dynamic monitoring and evaluation for effective management
Rigorous monitoring allows progress to be assessed and challenges to be addressed quickly.
- Best Practice 1: Use dashboards to drive reforms.
Municipalities can develop dashboards with key performance indicators (KPIs) such as the number of services provided or the time taken to process requests. Involving citizens in defining these indicators strengthens their relevance. - Best practice 2: Organize quarterly reviews for continuous improvement
These reviews allow you to analyze the results obtained, identify deviations from objectives and adjust strategies accordingly.
3.2. Building on successes and lessons learned
Successes must be capitalized on to inspire other municipalities and refine future strategies.
- Good practice: Sharing good practices within a municipal network
Exchange workshops between municipalities allow for the dissemination of successful experiences and the collective improvement of governance practices.
By establishing rigorous monitoring and evaluation and learning lessons from past experiences, municipalities ensure continuous improvement in their governance.
IV. Meeting the minimum conditions for success to take advantage of the results of the self-assessment
To effectively transform self-assessment results into reforms, certain conditions must be met.
4.1. Political will and commitment of municipal officials
No reform can succeed without a clear commitment from local elected officials.
- Best practice: Establish clear objectives and strong leadership
Mayors and city councilors must publicly commit to implementing action plans and define specific objectives for their teams.
4.2. Strengthening skills and mobilizing resources
Municipalities must have competent human resources and sufficient funding.
- Good practice: Train municipal agents and seek external funding
Training agents in new governance practices and seeking funding from technical and financial partners are essential.
4.3. Active involvement of citizens
Citizen engagement ensures that reforms are tailored to local needs.
- Good practice: Create open and regular spaces for dialogue
Municipalities can organize citizens’ assemblies to inform and consult the population on the progress of reforms.
By meeting these essential conditions, municipalities maximize the impact of the self-assessment results and ensure sustainable and effective reforms.
Conclusion
Self-assessment is a powerful tool that, when properly used, enables Cameroonian municipalities to improve their governance and the quality of public services. By following a methodical approach based on prioritization, stakeholder involvement, monitoring and evaluation, and continuous adaptation, municipalities can transform these results into concrete and sustainable actions.
STRATEGIES! remains at the side of municipalities to support them in this process, by providing them with the tools, advice and support necessary to build efficient and resilient local communities.
