Decentralisation in Commonwealth Africa : experiences from Botswana, Cameroon, Ghana, Mozambique and Tanzania / edited by Janet Kathyola and Oluwatoyin Job.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Introduction 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Conceptual/Literature Review of Decentralisation 1.3 Analytical Framework and Methodology 2. Decentralisation in Botswana Summary 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Decentralisation in the Botswana Context 2.3 Devolution through Local/District Council System 2.4 Deconcentration through Sectoral Government Ministries, District Administration and other Local Institutions 2.5 Decentralisation Achievements: Improvement in Service Provision and Empowerment of Institutions for Local Governance? 2.6 Lessons, Challenges and Suggestions 3. Decentralisation in Cameroon Summary 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Cameroon: Physical, Economic, and Political Context 3.3 Decentralisation by Devolution in Cameroon 3.4 Role of Donors 3.5 Summary and Conclusion 4. Decentralisation in Ghana Summary 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Decentralisation in the Ghana Context 4.3 Devolution through District Assembly System 4.4 Deconcentration of Central Government Administration 4.5 Decentralisation to Markets and Non-State Institutions 4.6 Achievements, Challenges and Suggestions for Improvement 5. Decentralisation in Mozambique Summary 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Decentralisation in the Mozambique Context 5.3 Devolution through Municipalisation Process 5.4 Deconcentration of Central Government Administration 5.5 Decentralisation to Markets 5.6 Lessons Learned, Achievements, Challenges and Suggestions for Improvement 6. Decentralisation in Tanzania Summary 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Country Background 6.3 D-by-D in LGRP I: Status of Implementation 6.4 D-by-D: Successes and Challenges 6.5 Local Government Reform Programme Phase II (2009{u2013}2014) 6.6 Conclusion 7. Cross-Cutting Issues, Challenges, Good Practices and Possible Intervention Opportunities 7.1 Introduction and Overview 7.2 Analyses of Current Decentralisation Policies and Practices 7.3 Lessons and Challenges 7.4 Good Practices and Potential Interventions

The aim of a well-designed decentralisation programme is to deliver effective services to all citizens and to deepen democracy through active popular participation in local governance. Through detailed case studies of decentralisation policies in five sub-Saharan African countries {u2013} Botswana, Cameroon, Ghana, Mozambique and Tanzania {u2013} this book examines the challenges presented, lessons learned, and recommends ways to improve policy implementation. It is clear from the analysis that there is no {u2018}one size fits all{u2019} design of decentralisation policy. Policy-makers worldwide can use the lessons learnt and good practices presented here to better inform and advance their own decentralisation agenda.