On-budget support within an externally managed programme: can innovative donor financing models encourage sustainable approaches to teacher professional development?

In 2015 DFID and EQUIP-Tanzania (an externally managed primary education programme) decided to decentralise £23m of funds to Local Government Authority (LGA) budgets for implementation to be fully managed by them. The aim was... [ view full abstract ]

In 2015 DFID and EQUIP-Tanzania (an externally managed primary education programme) decided to decentralise £23m of funds to Local Government Authority (LGA) budgets for implementation to be fully managed by them. The aim was to increase their understanding of teacher professional development interventions and therefore improve the likelihood of sustainable development of teachers beyond the programme. This process has helped LGAs re-establish direct relationships with teacher training colleges, enabled them to lead continuous teacher development processes and helped them monitor the effect on learning outcomes. Quality and consistency is ensured by EQUIP-Tanzania and central institutions.

This process has added complexity, challenge and risk but has facilitated greater local-ownership and increased understanding of sustainable and effective teacher training approaches. Is it the best way for donors to balance quality, ownership and sustainability?