Context:
Despite a comprehensive legal framework for decentralization, many municipalities in Cameroon have limited financial and human resources as well as capacities to effectively fulfill their mandates. There are deficits in municipal financial management, in the provision of local services, and in citizen participation in local decision-making processes. Population groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities are still insufficiently included in municipal planning and decision-making. Women are significantly underrepresented in political decision-making positions.
Objective:
In selected Cameroonian municipalities, public resources, participation processes, and local services are more closely aligned with the needs of all population groups.
Approach: To achieve the objective, the project cooperates with 20 to 25 selected municipalities, the responsible ministries, and civil society organizations in the North and Littoral regions.The project implements the following measures:
Improving municipal financial management: The project supports municipalities in enhancing their revenue collection, budget planning, and financial administration.
Promoting inclusive planning and service delivery: The project strengthens municipalities’ ability to systematically integrate the needs of diverse population groups - especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities - into local planning and monitoring processes.
Strengthening the role of women in local governance: The project supports women’s political participation at the municipal level so their perspectives are more strongly reflected in local development.