The LGPI in Malawi: Selected Findings from 15 Districts (2017)

The analysis presented in this report draws from the Local Governance Performance Index (LGPI), implemented in Malawi from March 24 to April 27, 2016. The LGPI provides a new approach to the measurement, analysis, and improvement of local governance. The tool aims to help countries collect, assess, and benchmark detailed information concerning issues of local and public-sector performance and service delivery to citizens and businesses. The goals are to provide information to help pinpoint, diagnose, and foster discussion among citizens, policymakers, and the development community regarding areas of need; help formulate policy recommendations; provide a benchmark for assessing policy implementation; and allow us to examine the factors driving good governance and quality service provision. The survey was fielded in 15 of Malawi’s 28 districts, spanning all three administrative regions. Within each region, traditional authorities (TA) or, in urban areas, local council wards were randomly selected for the study. A total of 18 traditional authorities and four urban wards, from three regional strata, were selected according to the principle of probability proportional to size. This document presents key findings from each of the 15 districts sampled. In particular, findings related to livelihoods, health, land, and education are highlighted.