Abstract:
Local government authorities (LGAs) are the nearest arm of government to the people, yet many
can hardly provide the essential services effectively. Strategic human resource training and
development (HRTD) has the potential to increase performance and capacity of LGAs, but remains
limited across regions. A systematic search (2015 - 2025) identified 487 records; after screening
42 studies were included. These studies covered diverse local government contexts, with Africa
contributing the largest share (Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Ghana), Asia
adding cases from Nepal, India and Pakistan, and smaller but useful samples from Latin America
and Oceania. In terms of method, 42 studies (52%) used quantitative approaches, 12 (29%)
qualitative and 8 (19%) mixed methods, with sample sizes ranging from 35 to 1 240 respondents.
Narrative synthesis and thematic analysis showed consistent findings across Africa, Asia and
Europe that organised training programmes enhance staff performance, service provision and
corporate responsibility in LGAs. Common approaches include coaching, mentoring and
competency-based training. Key variables that moderate the relationship between training and
performance include leadership commitment, sufficient funding and a systematic training needs
assessment. The review concludes that strategic HRTD is a powerful force behind local authority
performance, though its success depends on organisational circumstances. Policy implications
include institutionalising needs-based training, strengthening leadership development, and
improving evaluation systems. Future studies should focus on longitudinal designs and economic
assessment of return on HRTD investment.
