Decentralized Governance and Accountability: Academic Research and the Future of Donor Programming

Decentralization was seen as a way to improve economic growth and government performance, and research has been conducted by university researchers and international aid institutions to understand its political economy. This research has led to insights into the challenges and opportunities of linking evidence and policy action in decentralized governance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The turn of the twentieth century saw a surge of interest among academics and policymakers in the concept of fiscal and political decentralization as a potential remedy for sluggish economic growth and the ineffectiveness of insulated and unaccountable governments. Over the past two decades, researchers have dedicated themselves to unraveling the intricate political economy of multi-layered governance, posing a multitude of challenging questions. The most significant advancements in this field have emerged through close collaborations between university scholars and international aid institutions. As the volume and quality of this collaborative research have grown exponentially in recent years, it is now imperative to examine the lessons learned from this literature and apply them to ongoing debates about future programming.

In this volume, the contributors contextualize this research within the broader history of engagement between aid institutions and academics, particularly in the realm of decentralized governance. They identify the obstacles and opportunities that exist in bridging evidence and policy action, emphasizing the need for a more holistic and integrated approach to development.

One of the key themes explored in this volume is the role of decentralization in promoting sustainable development. The contributors argue that decentralized governance structures can provide local communities with greater autonomy and decision-making power, enabling them to address their specific needs and priorities. By devolving resources and authority to the grassroots level, decentralization can foster greater equity, accountability, and social cohesion, ultimately contributing to the long-term well-being of societies.

Another important aspect of decentralization is its potential to enhance the effectiveness of public services delivery. By decentralizing administrative functions and decision-making processes, governments can reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and improve the speed and quality of service delivery. This can particularly benefit marginalized and vulnerable populations who often face barriers to accessing essential services, such as healthcare, education, and clean water.

However, decentralization is not without its challenges. One of the primary concerns is the potential for power imbalances and conflicts between different levels of government. Without effective mechanisms for coordination and collaboration, decentralized governance structures can lead to duplication of efforts, turf, and inefficiencies. Additionally, the lack of adequate infrastructure and resources at the local level can hinder the effective implementation of decentralization policies and programs.

To address these challenges, the contributors propose a range of strategies and interventions. They advocate for the development of robust institutional frameworks and mechanisms for coordination and collaboration, including intergovernmental forums, regional bodies, and local governance networks. They also emphasize the importance of capacity building and training programs for local officials and community leaders, to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and deliver decentralized services.

Furthermore, the contributors highlight the need for a more holistic and integrated approach to development that encompasses both fiscal and political decentralization. They argue that a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches can lead to more effective and sustainable development outcomes. This includes policies and programs that promote economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability, as well as initiatives that empower local communities and promote their participation in decision-making processes.

In conclusion, this volume provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the political economy of multi-layered governance. It highlights the potential benefits and challenges of decentralization, and offers a range of strategies and interventions for promoting sustainable and effective development. By bridging the gap between evidence and policy action, this volume contributes to the ongoing debate about the future of development and the role of aid institutions in shaping it.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108708869