CHALLENGES FACING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IMPLEMENTATION IN MALAWI’S LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Mustafa Kennedy Hussein

Mustafa Kennedy Hussein, Professor University of Malawi

Keywords: Development, Projects, Implementation, Local Government, Malawi

Abstract

This article examines the major challenges facing development project implementation in Malawi’s local government authorities. Despite the introduction of various projects since the multiparty dispensation in 1994, Malawi remains one of the least developed in the world. The article contends that much as effective project implementation is a function of many factors, weak leadership and inadequate capacity are the major complicating factors. Most local authorities are characterised by politicised bureaucracy, scarce skilled labour, inadequate finances and corrupt practices. Thus, pragmatic strategies which include institutionalisation of ethical leadership, anti-corruption mechanisms and the mobilisation of resources are essential for effective local development.

Author Biography

Mustafa Kennedy Hussein, Professor, University of Malawi

Mustafa Kennedy Hussein is an Associate Professor and Deputy Head of Political and Administrative Studies Department at the University of Malawi. He is also the current Director of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Management, in the Faculty of Social Science at the same university. He holds a Doctorate in Literature and Philosophy-Public Administration (D. Lit & Phil.) from the University of Johannesburg, a Master of Arts in Public Administration (MA-Pub Admin) from Rand Afrikaans University) Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Business Administration, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (Pg Dip Mgt) and a Diploma in Public Administration (Dip Pub Admin) from the University of Malawi. As a researcher, trainer and consultant, Mustafa’s research interests are in the areas of policy-making, governance, decentralisation, peace and conflict. He is currently teaching Public Administration, Political Science, Organisational Development, Strategic Management and Human Resource Management to undergraduate and postgraduate students. He has also successfully completed major consultancy assignments with Civil Society Organisations, local and international institutions, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Health Organisation (WHO), the European Union (EU), and the World Bank.