Equalization in the light of local development in Guinea: an impact analysis on local authorities.

Abstract

This related article on the analysis of the effects of participatory targeting and prioritization of needs on local development in Guinea. The research focused on forty-two (42) municipalities, including seven (07) urban municipalities.

At the end of the research, it has been proven that the mechanisms that aim to target and prioritize community needs are implemented in a participatory approach that deserves improvement, in particular Participatory Budgeting under the coordination of the National Agency for the Financing of Communities (ANAFIC). The projects financed by ANAFIC in the IAPs are much more subject to community participation than other projects. CSO projects are less participatory than those funded by ANAFIC and local authorities.

At the end of the analysis, it was proven that participatory approaches in the targeting and prioritization of needs have a significant but negative impact on local development, as represented by subnational transfers invested in local development infrastructure. In addition, changing the equalization formula to take into account the isolation factor improves the level of development in isolated areas without compromising the initial order of investment volume per municipality.

Recommendations are therefore made to public authorities and stakeholders to improve the quality of the targeting framework and the equalization function of the trust budget.