Ten easy steps for development! So why is it so hard to do it?

1. Adopt an effective policy in which array of priorities for the allocation of limited resources.

These priorities is better guided through a broad participatory process selection and program, a full appreciation of the allocation of resources within which priority choices must be made and effective monitoring of the indicators measurable result. For most countries the focus is on economic growth and poverty reduction that incorporate strategies for meeting the Millennium development goals agreed by the United Nations General Assembly. This approach can be widely adopted largely reflective of the requirements for the participation of the IMF poverty reduction and Growth Facility program (PRGF). However, as countries have progressed there was a corresponding evolution of national strategies to reflect more than promotion of the private sector, infrastructure development and economic growth. However, in some countries there are only limited observations on realistic sector resources constraints to facilitate significant budgetary processes regarding public investment. Some argue that without a significant tax, it is near impossible to establish a significant policy matrix. Often, when developing the monitoring of results and expenditures of the budget is weak or non-existent. Taking account of these observations, it shouldn’t be surprising that there is little coordination between the sector’s plan, and that investment programmes serves as a list as it makes a rational for theme development objectives within a clear framework consistent national development.

2. Implement an effective planning and preparing budget process that has a strong bottom-up size, participation of a wide range of stakeholders and is fully aware of the relationship between the budgetary resource allocations and results. A budget process fully reflects on recurring charges linked to investment and diligent to ensure debt sustainability.

This in turn implies the adoption of a functional based on multi-annual fiscal framework incorporating properly national development goals. Additionally requires the corresponding coordination of ministries, departments and agencies and their effective participation in the process of preparation of the budget. The implementation of the budget requires the approval of the legislature. Such recognition would come only after a vigorous debate to ensure that fiscal policy is sound and that the budget is consistent with the objectives of the policy.

3. Develop effective and fully functioning of institutions that are well able to cope with the policy, the rules of procedure, as well as performing in all areas reflected in the financial statements and key to meet service delivery and in all districts of the country.

The absence of effective or appropriate institutions can lead to informal institutional arrangements to fill the gaps. These informal institutional arrangements can lead to abuse through patronage and corruption.

4. effect a public finance effective and comprehensive legal and regulatory framework management holding public officials accountable; one that has the clarity to guide the practice of public finance management unequivocally; promotes transparency; and the basis of auditable standards against which good practice can be easily defined and punished offences.

The legal and regulatory framework must meet these objectives as well as being flexible to accommodate adequately reform efforts. This is achieved through a correct hierarchy of the Constitution, laws and decrees, regulations, manuals and circulars with a well-defined chain of match officials the power to issue such instruments.

5. Introduce separate management structures clear policy assignments of roles and responsibilities between national and local institutions for the development of infrastructure and service delivery.

This must be supported by clear and transparent agreements for the collection of revenues from local communities, a horizontal and vertical transparent allocation of funds and transfers from Central Government to local communities and the accurate and timely monitoring of such flows.