Democracy and governance

USAID and its partners encourage local governments and community-based organizations (CBOs) to use transparent financial management and investment planning for future development. Activities include technical assistance to local government and CBO leaders, information campaigns to raise awareness of citizen's rights and responsibilities regarding local government, and training to increase and enhance citizens' -- especially women's -- participation in local affairs.

As part of its six-year, $30 million assistance program for democracy and governance, USAID also provides policy analysis to strengthen decentralization policies in critical areas such as local government finance and management of civil registries. As a result, local communities are able to develop realistic budgets that help them plan investments and expenditure, collect increased tax revenues, run better solid waste and water services, and manage local agricultural and natural resources in ways that protect their environment and foster economic development.