Decentralization transfers authority and responsibility of major government functions from central to sub-national governments--including local governments (LGs)--civil society, and the private sector.
The CDD and Decentralization nexus can empower communities to exert influence over local governance and services -CDD and Decentralization are both about empowering people at the local level.
The rationale for decentralization in the context of CDD includes economic efficiency, public accountability and empowerment. Decentralization gives greater voice and choice to citizens to influence decisions that affect their lives. Allows Local Governments to respond dynamically to communities Allocative Efficiency - Matching of local needs and preferences with patterns of local public expenditure (assumes substantial fiscal autonomy) Community/local level checks & balances ensure both CBOs & LGs can be held accountable to their respective constituencies.
Decentralization also provides a powerful impetus for enhancing the scaling up potential of CDD operations. By incorporating local governments in the CDD approach from the outset, and by building strong partnerships between LGs and Community Based Organizations (CBOs), CDD projects can achieve scale and sustainability, while improving systems of local governance by building downward accountability towards citizens.
Key Resources: For more resources on decentralization, click here |
RSS