This is a short introduction video of The LGPI – developed by the Governance and Local Development Institute.

What is the LGPI? 

LGPI stands for Local Governance Performance Indicators. It is a system of information gathering, resulting in a new approach to the measurement, analysis, and improvement of local governance. The LGPI employs a household survey, clustered at the community level, which gathers micro-level information on cross-cutting governance issues such as health, education, security, participation, and other metrics of governance. This information is then transformed into a set of indicators describing various issues related to governance that can be used to address numerous questions.

The LGPI does three things:

(1) It provides a methodological approach to studying governance performance, one that is aimed at the local level.

(2) If offers a carefully developed survey that allows for method implementation.

(3) It generates a set of indicators – the survey data – on factors that influence local governance performance.

These indicators are divided into six different topics. These are: Transparency, Participation, Extraction, Corruption, Authority, Social Institutions.

In comparison to similar measures, the LPGI is based on citizen experience. By incorporating data from individuals unable or unsuccessful in obtaining services, it extends beyond user-based surveys. It also incorporates state and non-state governance, and its construction allows for a custom, application-driven use of governance indicators on various problems. Further, The LGPI measurement is sub-national, allowing for explicit measures of local variation in governance and outcomes. It also incorporates data about governance and outcomes across multiple sectors. And finally, the LGPI allows for analysis of governance beyond geographic delineations such as gender, age, ethnicity, etc.

So, who is this information for?

The rich dataset that LGPI provides can be used by researchers, governments, civil societies, donors, development specialists, business communities, and policymakers. And for researchers in particular, the use of the LGPI is various in that they can…

• Use the methodological approach of LGPI for own research 
• Adopt the survey design for a high qualitative data collection
• And, use the existing sets of indicators to support one’s research process, but also contribute to the current indicators with new data -> making the LGPI a measurement for the co-creation of cross-national data on local governance performance. 

The LGPI can further help identify specific priority areas for reform; facilitates the design and implementation of policies; aids policymakers and development specialists in assessing reforms by providing metrics to measure progress; empower citizens to influence government efforts on improving quality and access to public service delivery, and help businesses and other stakeholders identify areas of need and opportunity.