Abstract

The dissertation explores linkages between primary education internal efficiency and the recurrent budget in Malawi. Specifically it explores how the recurrent budget addresses factors that contribute to the internal efficiency of primary education system. It further examines the dynamics of the budgetary processes, financing policies and the composition of the education budget during the research period. This is done through a correlation analysis on recurrent budget and internal efficiency indicators (enrolment, repetition rate and dropout). Furthermore, a cohort analysis is conducted to examine the extent of efficiency levels. This is complemented by financing policy and budget document analysis so that the financing policies that have guided the composition of the budget are clear. Lastly, interviews are conducted to get into the insights of technicians involved in the preparation and implementation of the primary education budget. The results show that the primary education resources in the budget do not correlate with the internal efficiency indicators and that the recurrent budget does not specifically address core factors that tackles and contributes to the efficiency of the primary education system. The primary education system is muddled with significant levels of wastage to the extent that undermines the potential impact of resources on primary education. Notwithstanding this, the conclusion and recommendations show that there is hope that continued policy dialogue, administrative reforms, and research will present strategies in areas of education budgeting, financing policies and addressing of pertinent issues for the improvement of the primary education system through interventions that tackles obtaining and emerging challenges with deserved flexibility, prudence and in a realistic manner

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School	: School of Education
Issued Date	: 2009

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