The Status of Pro-poor Sectors’ Service Delivery in Selected Woredas of Amhara Regional State

Abstract

Abstract Providing services to the poor is a challenging task of local governments in developing countries. Governments are criticized for being asymmetric and urban-biased. This study assessed the situation of service delivery in the five pro-poor sectors, i.e., education, health, water, agriculture, and road and Transport. The study employed qualitative and quantitative research methods. A descriptive and cross-sectional research design was employed. Accordingly, data were collected from 269 sample respondents, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and observations. Samples were selected from three zones, 5 woredas, and 10 kebeles. The data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques. The findings of the study indicated that basic services are still out of reach for most of the people. Services of the pro-poor sectors are not accessible and responsive and lack accountability and transparency. Due to this, customer satisfaction in the service of five pro-poor sectors is low.