AN ASSESSMENT INTO THE CHALLENGES OF BUDGET AND STRATEGIC PLANNING IN DJOUM CITY COUNCIL, CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

A budget is a numerical representation of a recommended course of action by management for a certain timeframe, which helps in organising the necessary steps to execute the plan. (Ambe & Maleka, 2016). A budget encompasses both monetary and non-monetary elements of a plan and acts as a detailed strategy for the organisation to adhere to in a future era. It is a crucial instrument for the functioning of any organisation. In order to operate efficiently and provide high-quality service, it is necessary to spend expenses.  A budget serves as a comprehensive tool for managers to accomplish various tasks. It aids in planning for different sources of income, acts as a control mechanism to prevent excessive spending, facilitates the coordination of activities within an organization, and communicates important information to stakeholders. Additionally, it provides a summary of the planned activities of different units within the institution (Badenhorst, 2016). It is also a method for determining the priorities of an organisation by distributing limited resources to activities that authorities consider to be the most essential, while restricting resources to sectors considered less crucial. (Cruywagen, 2019). Budgets are mostly prospective in nature, serving as benchmarks for the purpose of comparison (Cruywagen, 2019).

Significantly, a budget serves as a tool to achieve a desired outcome, rather than being the desired outcome itself. It encompasses the scope of accountability for a designated individual, allowing for the evaluation of performance at the conclusion of the budgetary term. This requires the drafting of budgets in collaboration with those who will be accountable for accomplishing the budgetary goals. The primary rationale for soliciting budget estimates from users is that higher-ranking authorities lack sufficient specific knowledge, time, or specialized skills to personally formulate the plans (Essop, 2017). This is the only point of convergence in the financial process for both commercial and governmental institutions. Many institutions are facing difficulties in implementing their budgets due to the need for public institutions to accurately estimate the execution of certain programmes or development using economic factors (Louwe, 2019). Unforeseen demands may arise during budget proposals, or the cost estimate may undergo major changes. 

Undeniably, conducting budget reviews is necessary in order to uncover errors or mistakes in budgets. Regularly assessing the execution of the budget is necessary to guarantee efficient programme implementation and discover any financial discrepancies. One of the difficulties faced by consumers was the lack of budget review after its approval. The budget process should have been efficiently administered with effective initial planning, final approval, and ongoing monitoring of execution (Manyathela, 2019). There are several protocols for creating a budget, some occurring before to executing the budget (pre-stage), some throughout the budget period, and others after the implementation (post-stage). The Djoum City Council serves as the governing body responsible for overseeing municipal services and development initiatives in the city. The city's effective administration depends greatly on the implementation of well-structured budgeting and strategic planning procedures (Ndongo, 2019). Nevertheless, the council has encountered several obstacles in these domains, impeding its capacity to attain the intended results for the community. Djoum City Council, a local government in Cameroon, functions in a multifaceted political and economic setting characterized by restricted financial independence and dependence on funds received from the national government (Essomba & Mbeng, 2021). This reliance may hinder the council's capacity to efficiently strategize and oversee its financial resources, as well as immediately address the demands of its citizens. 

In addition, there are issues over the council staff's ability and knowledge in budgetary and strategic planning techniques. This might potentially lead to less than optimum planning and execution of projects (Mbeng, 2020). The maintenance of transparency and accountability in fiscal management continues to pose persistent issues. Reports have emerged of corruption and financial mismanagement in many local administrations in Cameroon, notably the Djoum City Council (Ngassam, 2019). These problems erode public confidence in the council and may have a detrimental influence on the overall efficiency of government. Notwithstanding these obstacles, the Djoum City Council has the capacity to have a substantial impact on the social and economic progress of the area. To efficiently achieve its duty and provide excellent services to people, the council must address the challenges in budgeting and strategic planning. This encompasses the enhancement of fiscal management, the promotion of transparency and accountability, and the optimization of the use of limited resources. 

1.2 Statement of the problem

Budgeting and strategic planning are essential components of efficient municipal government. Nevertheless, the Djoum City Council in Cameroon encounters substantial obstacles in these domains that hinder its capacity to provide high-quality services and foster sustainable development for its inhabitants. The Djoum City Council has a significant obstacle in its budget and strategic planning efforts due to the absence of precise and prompt data, which is crucial for making well-informed decisions. This problem might result in the ineffective distribution of resources and a lack of alignment between the council's goals and the real requirements of the community (Tchatchoua, 2021).  The council has challenges due to a lack of financial resources, insufficient data for making well-informed decisions, and a lack of training and competence in budgeting and strategic planning procedures (Ngassam, 2019; Mbeng, 2020). The aforementioned problems lead to a less than ideal distribution of resources, inefficiencies in carrying out projects, and a lack of openness and responsibility in managing finances (Tchatchoua, 2021). 

Furthermore, the exponential expansion and changing requirements of the indigenous populace need a methodical and calculated strategy to urban planning that may effectively tackle present obstacles while also preparing for forthcoming advancements. However, the council often struggles to synchronise its strategic objectives with community needs and the resources at its disposal, which might impede the realisation of long-term goals (Essomba & Mbeng, 2022). This lack of coherence may lead to suboptimal performance and lost chances for enhancing infrastructure, services, and economic development. The issue is exacerbated by deficiencies in communication and cooperation both within the council and with external stakeholders, resulting in fragmented planning and implementation of projects (Ngassam, 2019). It is crucial to urgently identify and tackle these difficulties in order to improve the efficiency of budgeting and strategic planning in the Djoum City Council. This study seeks to examine and assess the difficulties associated with budgeting and strategic planning in the Djoum City Council. It intends to provide significant insights and ideas for enhancing governance, resource allocation, and overall performance within the local context. Hence, the study assesses the challenges of budget and strategic planning in Djoum City Council, Cameroon.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess the challenges of budget and strategic planning in Djoum City Council, Cameroon. The specific objectives is as follows

Analyze the methods used for budget and strategic planning in by Djoum City Council.

Investigate the impact of budget and strategic planning on Djoum council's ability to maintain fiscal sustainability.

Examine the difficulties Djoum City Council faces in budget and strategic planning.

Propose recommendations for improving budget and strategic planning processes in Djoum City Council

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the following

What is the methods used for budget and strategic planning in by Djoum City Council?

What is the impact of budget and strategic planning on Djoum council's ability to maintain fiscal sustainability?

What is the difficulties Djoum City Council faces in budget and strategic planning?

What are the proposed recommendations for improving budget and strategic planning processes in Djoum City Council?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho: There are no significant challenges of budget and strategic planning in djoum city council, Cameroon

Ha: There are  significant challenges of budget and strategic planning in djoum city council, Cameroon

1.6 Significance of the study

The findings of the study will be significant to the following

Policymakers: The study may result in actionable recommendations for improving strategic planning and budgeting within the council. These recommendations can serve as a roadmap for policymakers, leading to more informed and effective decision-making.

Academic Contribution: The research contributes to the body of knowledge on local governance, budget planning, and strategic management, particularly within the context of Cameroon. This can provide a basis for further academic inquiry and comparative analysis in the field of municipal management.

1.7 Scope of the study

The study focuses on the challenges of budget and strategic planning in Djoum City Council, Cameroon. Empirically, the study will analyze the methods used for budget and strategic planning in  by Djoum City Council, investigate the impact of budget and strategic planning on Djoum council's ability to  maintain fiscal sustainability, examine the difficulties Djoum City Council faces in budget and strategic planning and propose recommendations for improving budget and strategic planning processes in Djoum City Council.

1.8 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.9 Definition of terms

Budgeting: The process of creating a financial plan for the allocation and management of funds within an organization or government entity. In the context of Djoum City Council, this involves outlining how municipal funds will be raised and spent across different areas of responsibility.

Strategic Planning: A systematic process of defining an organization's direction and making decisions on allocating resources to pursue this direction. For Djoum City Council, this entails setting long-term goals and objectives for the city and establishing a plan to achieve them efficiently and effectively.

Djoum City Council: The local government authority that administers the city of Djoum, Cameroon. It is responsible for providing municipal services, implementing local policies, and managing resources for the benefit of its citizens.

Challenges: The obstacles or issues that arise in the process of executing budget and strategic planning. These can include resource constraints, communication gaps, lack of expertise, or organizational hurdles.

Fiscal Management: The oversight and administration of financial resources, including budgeting, accounting, and reporting. Effective fiscal management ensures the proper allocation and use of funds.

Resource Allocation: The process of distributing available resources, such as funds, personnel, and materials, to various projects or departments according to their needs and priorities.

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