Participatory democracy, citizen dialogues and budgeting
The ”Know Your Neighbor” initiative builds stronger communities
Since its launch in April 2018, the ”Know Your Neighbor”- initiative has continued to grow and make a significant impact in Lusaka’s communities. The initiative was established as part of one of ICLD’s previous ITP programme – Inclusive Political Leadership. We spoke with Patrick Mwamba Salubusa, Councillor of Lusaka City Council’s Kapwepwe Ward, to explore…
Lusaka and Lidköping increase youth participation at the local level
The Zambian capital, Lusaka, has long had a partnership with the municipality of Lidköping on the theme of youth influence. Currently, the partnership has two ongoing projects that, in addition to a strong focus on youth participation, also address engagement in environmental and climate issues. ”The knowledge you gain through the partnership collaboration is truly…
Increasing Transparency in Local Governments: Implementation of Citizen Budgets in Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe
This research project investigates the implementation and impact of Citizen’s Budgets at the local level in selected countries. It aims to understand the elements that compose these budgets, the impact they have on the transparency of local government budget processes, and the degree of empowerment they confer, especially to marginalized groups. The study also assesses…
Increasing Transparency in Local Governments: Implementation of Citizen Budgets in Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe
This research project investigates the implementation and impact of Citizen’s Budgets at the local level in selected countries. It aims to understand the elements that compose these budgets, the impact they have on the transparency of local government budget processes, and the degree of empowerment they confer, especially to marginalized groups. The study also assesses…
Designing Local Democracy for Health: Evidence from an RCT of Public Participation in Kenya
Regional focus: Eastern Africa / Kenya Time: March – December 2025 Abstract: This research project will evaluate citizen participation in decision-making for health in Kenya. Citizen participation in government decision-making has been widely promoted as a method for improving health. Participatory institutions, such as Participatory Budgeting (PB), have spread rapidly based on claims to improve decision-making and…
Designing Local Democracy for Health: Evidence from an RCT of Public Participation in Kenya
Regional focus: Eastern Africa / Kenya Time: March – December 2025 Abstract: This research project will evaluate citizen participation in decision-making for health in Kenya. Citizen participation in government decision-making has been widely promoted as a method for improving health. Participatory institutions, such as Participatory Budgeting (PB), have spread rapidly based on claims to improve decision-making and…
Deciding Together: Citizen Satisfaction and Institutional Design of Participatory Governance in Kenya
This policy brief provides practical insights for local governments on leveraging participatory budgeting (PB) to enhance citizen satisfaction and ownership of development projects. Based on a study in rural Kenya, three PB approaches—consultation, voting, and deliberation—were evaluated. All methods increased satisfaction and willingness to invest in projects, demonstrating their value in strengthening community engagement. Deliberation,…
Deciding Together: Citizen Satisfaction and Institutional Design of Participatory Governance in Kenya
This policy brief provides practical insights for local governments on leveraging participatory budgeting (PB) to enhance citizen satisfaction and ownership of development projects. Based on a study in rural Kenya, three PB approaches—consultation, voting, and deliberation—were evaluated. All methods increased satisfaction and willingness to invest in projects, demonstrating their value in strengthening community engagement. Deliberation,…
Växjö and JB Marks Local Municipality, South Africa
This project aims to create a center for civil society in partnership between the JB Marks Local Municipality and North-West University’s School of Social Sciences. This center will address severe social issues within the municipality, such as youth unemployment, gender-based violence, and the negative impacts of alcohol abuse, which are particularly prevalent in areas like…
Växjö – Kalush, Ukraine
This project focuses on increasing youth participation in local governance by addressing a significant gap in democratic awareness among young people. The main ambition is to empower youth aged 17-25 to actively engage in decision-making processes within the Kalush community. This goal aligns with a broader vision of strengthening democratic governance and enhancing critical thinking…
