Engaging Communities and Civil Society Organisations in Public Expenditure Tracking Activities: A Training Guide

This training manual contains session guides and reference notes for use in Public Expenditure Tracking System (PETS) training. The training sessions focus on the planning and budgeting process in Tanzania, public expenditure tracking methodology, and the role of different stakeholders in enhancing public financial accountability and transparency. The manual is based on Pact Tanzania's experience in building the skills of civil society and media organisations (CSOs) on PETS. Although some of the materials are specific to CSOs, the guide may be used for other audiences.

The training manual is divided into six independent sessions of instruction all related to each other. In particular, the manual will enable the participants to:

• have an overview of the budgeting and planning processes at the national and local government levels;
• understand the concept of public expenditure tracking as well as the methods and tools adopted to take forward PETS in selected countries;
• understand how to undertake public expenditure tracking surveys and establish public expenditure systems;
• understand the role of CSOs and other stakeholders in enhancing sustainable financial accountability in Tanzania; and
• understand lobbying and advocacy techniques in PETS.

According to the publishers, the trainers do not have to be professional economists. They do, however, need to have basic skills, experience, and commitment to participatory training methodologies and basic knowledge about public policies, planning and budgeting processes, and ongoing public service reforms, including local government reforms in Tanzania.