http://www.gsdrc.org Academic and policy-relevant publications on governance and international development. en-uk Copyright © 2012 Governance and Social Development Resource Centre Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:09 GMT Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:09 GMT http://www.gsdrc.org/rss/open george@gsdrc.org george@gsdrc.org http://www.gsdrc.org/images/logos/logo_gsdrc.gif http://www.gsdrc.org 205 90 GSDRC logo Emmanuel Skoufias et al. How does the introduction of local elections affect the pattern of public spending and revenue generation at the local level? The relationship between institutions of political accountability and government performance remains a key concern for analysts and practitioners of public policy design. This article analyses how institutional design for electoral accountability affects public sector spending choices and service delivery in districts of Indonesia. It finds that electoral reforms had positive effects on expenditures, mainly due to expenditures brought about by the election of non-incumbents. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4157&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4157&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Christian Lessmann and Gunther Markwardt Does decentralisation reduce corruption in all institutional contexts? This cross-country comparative study finds that the impact of decentralisation on corruption varies according to a country's level of press freedom – that is, according to the capacity to monitor public officials. Decentralisation seems to counteract corruption in countries with high degrees of press freedom, but can increase corruption in countries with little press freedom. A free press is therefore a necessary precondition for successful decentralisation programmes. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4078&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4078&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Sameh El-Saharty, Sosena Kebede and Petros Olango Dubusho Has decentralisation enhanced health service delivery (HSD) to the poor in Ethiopia? What factors enabled or inhibited improvements in health services between 1996 and 2006? This study finds that the Health Sector Development Programme (HSDP), which used decentralisation strategies, was largely successful. Subnational institutional and management capacity was a key factor in successful implementation. However, limited community voice and involvement limited the programme's impact: a carefully-synchronised balance between supply- and demand-focused interventions is important. Health sector decentralisation is likely to be more effective as part of a broader government decentralisation policy across sectors. The coordinated provision of sufficient critical inputs (facilities, health workers, drugs) is essential. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4024&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4024&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Stuti Khemani A recent trend in decentralisation in some large, varied countries is the creation of local jurisdictions whose spending is almost exclusively financed by grants from regional and national government. This paper argues that such partial, grants-financed decentralisation enables politicians to target benefits to pivotal voters and organised interest groups in exchange for political support. In such circumstances, donor policies to support decentralisation should strengthen institutional and governance interventions so as to undermine patronage incentives. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4023&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4023&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT David Watson and Adnan Qadir Khan How successful has capacity development for decentralised education service delivery been in Pakistan? This article examines capacity issues in two programmes: the provincial-level Punjab Education Sector Reform Programme (PESRP) and the district-level Strategic Policy Unit (SPU) of Faisalabad City District Government. These delivered major improvements in education delivery capacity in just four years. Political leadership and national ownership of reform were key. However, the political success that ensures ownership in one regime can become the cause of downfall in the next. Political economy factors therefore remain a major impediment to devolved service delivery in Pakistan. To strengthen the political ownership of reform, a popular, well-articulated consensus on the importance of basic services to the electorate is needed. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4019&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4019&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Christian von Haldenwang Can semi-autonomous tax agencies play a role in strengthening the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy of decentralised tax systems? This article analyses semi-autonomous tax agencies in nine Peruvian cities. It shows that the Servicios de Administración Tributaria (SAT) collect local taxes and non-tax revenues more effectively than conventional tax administrations. Efficiency may improve once the SAT are consolidated. Positive effects on fiscal governance will materialise when reforms cover the whole fiscal cycle, including budget formulation and execution. SAT needs to be embedded in a broader context of fiscal reform promoting transparency and accountability. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4016&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4016&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Jameson Boex Is fiscal decentralisation and intergovernmental finance reform still relevant in international development? This paper argues that fiscal decentralisation reform should not be dismissed, despite inconclusive evidence on its effectiveness in achieving development impacts. Rather, more research and better knowledge-sharing are needed. A review of current knowledge suggests that to be successful, fiscal decentralisation reform must simultaneously address: 1) public finance and intergovernmental fiscal relations; 2) governance mechanisms monitoring local financial administration; 3) sectoral reform; and 4) local government strengthening. Such reform also requires the alignment of (cross-departmental and multi-level) institutional incentives and broad buy-in from stakeholders. The fact that few fiscal decentralisation reforms have taken a systemic approach that considers political economy factors may partly explain their limited impact. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4013&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4013&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs To what extent can decentralisation help to institutionalise citizen engagement in governance and promote sustainable peace? This study analyses the concept of decentralisation and looks at the challenges of implementing it in several post-conflict countries. It argues that participatory governance at the local level facilitates the involvement of local communities in policy decisions. This creates a shared commitment to peaceful progress that reduces the likelihood of violent conflict. Peace cannot be lasting unless both men and women, as well as those in minority groups, participate in shaping post-conflict reconstruction and are able to enjoy its benefits equally. However, effective decentralisation for participatory governance requires political will, civic will, capacity development at the local level and careful implementation. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4012&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4012&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Ehtisham Ahmad and Giorgio Brosio This chapter introduces a volume focusing on developments in method and theory in the fiscal federalism literature, as well as empirical assessments of decentralisation processes in Bolivia, Uganda, Poland and Spain. It argues that decentralised approaches to development are least likely to succeed where they are most needed - where levels of inequality are high. Particular attention needs to be paid to: 1) the risk of local capture; 2) partial decentralisation; and 3) fiscal institutions (especially the assignment of functions, the structure of intergovernmental transfers and limits on local debt). http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4011&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4011&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Jameson Boex and Serdar Yilmaz What information is needed to assess the effectiveness of decentralised government in developing and transitional countries? This paper proposes a framework for comparative assessment of a country's local public sector based on an empowerment approach. The assessment framework covers the political, administrative and financial structures that support the local government system. Rather than just looking at the functioning of the local government level itself, however, the diagnostic considers the role of the central level, the local level, as well as civil society in assessing these three dimensions of decentralisation. The same three-by-three dimensions can be used to assess donor support to decentralisation. When complete, the analysis provides a comprehensive picture of decentralisation activities and resources, aid alignment, and effectiveness. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4005&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4005&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Ian Christoplos How do the rural poor and the local institutions on which they rely manage multiple climate change, market and food security risks? How can research increase understanding of what climate change as a 'risk multiplier' means for local-level development policy? Climate risk reduction policies must become better aligned with the concerns of the rural poor, the organisations linking them to wider governance and market structures, and the politicians who represent them. Climate-aware development requires a more empirically-grounded view of climate risk. This needs to involve critical reassessment of what is already known about rural risk from the perspectives of local actors and institutions. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3991&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3991&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Ian Christoplos How do the capacities of and constraints experienced by local actors affect their engagement in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (CCA/DRR)? How can development actors improve their efforts to achieve local 'buy-in' to CCA/DRR? This policy brief finds that CCA//DRR implementation requires the creation of an enabling environment for changes in local institutions, markets, political relationships and public service. The design of CCA/DRR interventions should be linked to local priorities and local efforts to pursue market opportunities, and should avoid overburdening local actors. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3990&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3990&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Maria Brockhaus and Hermann Kambiré This chapter examines the opportunities and barriers for successful adaptation to climate change in decentralisation processes. Using a study of two municipalities in Burkina Faso, it stresses the importance of knowledge and institutional flexibility in overcoming resource dependency. The varying degrees of space generated by the decentralisation process in the two municipalities demonstrates the importance of individual understanding and decision-making in determining successful adaptation. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3986&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3986&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Jan Corfee-Morlot et al. What forms of national-local policy links are used in implementing mitigation and adaptation policies? What are the key tools for integrated, multilevel governance of mitigation and adaptation activities, and how can these be applied? This paper highlights a 'hybrid' framework of multilevel governance in which local-regional/national collaboration promotes mutual learning and enhanced effectiveness. Systematic efforts are needed to align incentives across sectoral and cross-sectoral policy areas, so that regional and local policy implementation is successful. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3968&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3968&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Thomas Tanner et al How can climate-related impacts be managed in urban settings? What are the links between urban governance, climate adaptation, poverty reduction and sustainable development? This paper develops an analytical framework by combining governance literature with climate resilience assessments conducted in ten Asian cities. The climate-resilient urban governance assessment framework involves: (1) decentralisation and autonomy, (2) accountability and transparency, (3) responsiveness and flexibility, (4) participation and inclusion and (5) experience and support. Use of this framework can assist in assessing and building urban resilience to climate change in a way that reduces the vulnerability of the citizens most at risk from climate shocks and stresses. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3929&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3929&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT United Nations Development Programme How can sub-national governments incorporate climate change into their planning? This Primer argues for systematic action across all levels of long-term development planning and cross-sectoral implementation (regional, national, sub-national and local). It introduces approaches to help sub-national authorities design an Integrated Territorial Climate Plan (ITCP), from setting objectives and participatory arrangements for the preparation of the Plan, to financing priority activities. Meeting the challenge of climate change will require the full engagement of regional and local governments, and the formulation of innovative policy development and planning instruments. Comprehensive partnerships and strong coordination mechanisms will be needed. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3920&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3920&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Arun Agrawal et al. How can national climate policy processes be translated into local adaptation initiatives? What can be learned from the ways in which natural resource managers have sought to make national resource policies locally responsive and effective? This paper examines national-level adaptation planning efforts and decentralisation reforms. It highlights the need to promote the capacity of local institutions and to strengthen links between local and national adaptation planning. Other recommendations are to: increase local autonomy in adaptation planning and implementation; improve information sharing among decision makers at all levels; and increase the accountability of local decision makers to their constituents. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3898&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3898&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Benedicte de la Briere, Laura B. Rawlings Conditional Cash Transfer programmes (CCTs) provide money to poor families, contingent on specific verifiable actions such as children's school attendance or preventative health care. How successful are CCTs in addressing social inclusion and inter-generational poverty? What is their impact on social accountability relationships between beneficiaries, service providers and governments? This summary focuses on the Social Inclusion section in a World Bank paper. While CCTs hold promise, they are not a panacea against social exclusion. They should form part of comprehensive social and economic policy strategies and be applied carefully in different policy contexts. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3641&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3641&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT Liss Schanke, Siri Lange (eds) How do Local Government Administrations (LGAs) in Tanzania coordinate and cooperate to reach gender-related goals? This study, published by the Chr. Michelsen Institute, identifies good practices in examining how five district councils cooperate with local communities, civil society organisations and the private sector to improve maternal health, and how well different departments within district councils coordinate their work. Structural problems, partly linked to financial issues, impede sustainable cooperation between local government and civil society. Cooperation with the Department for Community Development is central to enhancing participation and including lower local government levels. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3556&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3556&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hamish Nixon What role do Community Development Councils (CDCs) play at the community level in Afghanistan? This working paper from the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit presents findings from research on subnational governance in Afghanistan. It finds that CDCs have made a significant contribution to the welfare and representation of community members. It is now important to consider the future of CDCs, their role in achieving improved development outcomes and their position in the local governance system. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3500&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3500&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Decentralisation Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT