Principles and Guidelines for Constituency Development Funds

administration and management of CDFs can empowerprovincial and district governments and professional experts toapply their own contextual knowledge to solve localdevelopment problems. CDFs also should foster public learningthrough monitoring and evaluation about what types ofdevelopment projects are most successful in meeting the needsof citizens and promoting community development.It is clear that the successful operation of any CDF is contingentupon strong MP involvement and leadership. As representativesof a constituency’s citizens, MPs play an essential role infacilitating citizen participation to make claims upongovernment services. In this role, MPs can ensure that CDFresources are used efficiently and honestly, with the intent tomeet the public interests of their constituencies. Thus, thepotential offered by CDFs hinges on the initiative of MPs andtheir dedication to empowering citizens to participate in theirown development.Principles and Guidelines for CDFsThe following are general principles of good governance thatshould apply to all CDFs across cases.I. ResponsivenessCDFs are a distributive policy tool designed to meet thedevelopment needs of citizens. Their success is contingent uponan inclusive process of consultation which fosters co-operationamong constituents, MPs, and technocratic experts. CDFinitiatives should respond to local developmental needs. On thisbasis, CDFs require channels of input for local citizens and civilsociety at all steps in decision-making on CDFs.• CDFs shall improve the well-being and livelihoods ofconstituents. The primary purpose of a CDF is to redirectadditional resources to constituencies to solvesocio-economic and humanitarian problems identified byPrinciples and Guidelines for CDFs 3