This is project will comprise a series of studies commissioned by IAG on the decentralization program, its institutions, functions, and need .it will seek to examine the extent and quality of public participation in govermence, at the woreda(distric0level,and how this ay be enhanced. It will seek to build upon earlier, preliminary studies already undertaken by IAG in a selection of woredas.

The project plans to carry out preliminary assessment of the expanding and implementation capacities of institutions at the woreda level, and thereby enhance the understanding of decentralization and its policy impaction in the Ethiopian context. The main task here is to explore ways to enhance woreda (district) institution in the areas of governance and sustainable development and overt reduction issues at a level at which they can be able to make their needs known and have input into how their needs are addressed. The reports from the study will serve as inputs for the policy debate on the implications of decentralization and will provide policy makers with feedback on the challenges to implementation and possible need for adjustment.