Decentralisation in Africa

"This volume tackles head-on two crucial issues concerning the relationship between decentralisation and development. In an uncompromising assessment of controversial claims, it provides comprehensive evidence-based analysis and critique of this key policy prescription for Africa."—Nancy Thede, Professor, Department of Political Science, Quebec University, Montreal

"This is a major contribution to the study of decentralisation in Africa as it does not stop at describing intentions, but deals with implementation successes and shortcomings. The balance sheet of intended and unintended effects of a major reform on both poverty and conflict is convincingly established on the basis of a limited number of case studies, comparative analysis and theoretical considerations. Essential reading for both academics and decision-makers in this field."—Andreas Mehler, Institute of African Affairs, Hamburg

Introduction: Decentralisation as a Pathway out of Poverty and Conflict?

Gordon Crawford and Christof Hartmann

2. Constraints on the Implementation of Decentralisation and Implciations for Poverty Reducation—The Case of Uganda

Susan Steiner

3. Decentralisation and Poverty Reduction in Malawai—A Critical appraisal

Blessings Chinsinga

4. Poverty and the Politics of (De)Centralisation in Ghana

Gordon Crawford

5. The Impact of Decentralistation on Poverty in Tanzania

Meine Pieter van Dijk

6. Decentralisation and the Legacy of Protracted Conflict—Mauritius, Namibia and South Africa

Christof Hartmann

7. Decentralisation and Conflict in Kibaale, Uganda

Anna Katharina Schelnberger

8. Decentralisation as a Stabilising Factor in Rwanda

Peter van Tilburg

9. Conclusion: Decentralisation—No Shortcut to Development and Peace

Christof Hartmann and Gordon Crawford

About the Authors

Index