Decentralisation and democracy in developing countries: an overview

This overview draws on selected theoretical and empirical works to explore the question of decentralisation and its effects on democracy participation and empowerment at the local level. The analysis is predicated on four main theses. First decentralisation is a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon that may have both positive and negative effects. Second decentralisation has potential benefits but they can be realised in full only when complementary policies and national or local conditions are in place. Third the contexts within which decentralisation policies are implemented vary widely within and across countries and over time. Thus the problems that usually occur in the implementation of decentralisation policies are not flaws inherent in decentralisation. Rather they are a result of poor design of decentralisation policies procedural weaknesses and a lack of pragmatic implementation strategies. Finally the territorial organisation of most contemporary states consists of a mixture of centralisation and decentralisation. The challenge for all systems of government is to strike the right balance between centralisation and decentralisation that satisfies the needs of central and local governments and the communities they purport to serve. This essay examines decentralisation and its effects on democracy participation and empowerment drawing from countries in Africa and elsewhere. (excerpt)