The Government of Tanzania launched the Local Government Reform Programme in 1999 as part of its commitment to the policy of decentralisation by devolution. Through the programme, the government strengthens local authorities and transforms them to be effective instruments of social and economic development at local level.

To complement the programme, SNV is implementing the Capacity Building of Local Governance Actors Programme supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands. The overall goal of the programme is poverty reduction through improved governance and increased basic services provision at the local level. One of the outcomes of the programme is to support LGAs to qualify for the Local Government Capital Development Grant.

SNV introduced the concept of the self assessment for Local Government Authorities early in 2006 in both the Kagera and Shinyanga Regions. The self assessment has been a tool for mainstreaming learning and performance improvement within the Local Government Authorities as well as generating lessons for feedback to regional and national levels. Local Government Authorities have qualified to access the grants enabling them to improve services and infrastructure for their populace.

SNV designed and tested the self assessment tool over two years time in various districts. Based on its success, and our presence at various levels, the methodology has now been introduced country wide and included in the instructions from the Ministry, while the Regional Secretariat (as a kind of Local Capacity Builder) is trained by SNV to take over the support role to the districts. As a result the combined Development budget for the five District Councils in Kagera region has increased from $ 1 to 3.2 million in 2 year time.