Equalization Funds and the Financing of Social Protection Services in Cameroonian Municipalities: A Critical Analysis
Abstract:
Social protection constitutes a major lever for poverty reduction and the fight against social inequalities. In Cameroon, the decentralization process has increased the responsibility of decentralized local governments in the provision of basic social services. However, their financial capacity remains limited, despite the existence of intergovernmental transfers and equalization mechanisms such as the General Decentralization Grant (Dotation Générale de la Décentralisation – DGD). This article examines the redistribution of equalization funds in support of social protection services at the municipal level, with a focus on the East and Far North regions of Cameroon. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines documentary analysis, surveys, and statistical tools (Pearson correlation and chi-square tests), the study assesses whether allocation practices comply with principles of equity and need. The findings reveal a significant gap between legislative frameworks and actual allocation practices, as well as a bias in favor of urban municipalities. These results highlight the urgent need to strengthen transparency and adopt needs-based redistribution mechanisms in order to improve the financing of social protection services at the local level.References:
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