Decentralization holds a lot of promise,but whether it improves public service delivery depends onthe institutional arrangements governing its implementation.Several conditions must be met before the full benefits ofdecentralization can be reaped. First, for decentralizationto increase allocative and productive efficiency, localgovernments need to have the authority to respond to localdemand as well as adequate mechanisms for accountability.Because granting authority without accountability can leadto corruption and lower productive efficiency,decentralization needs to be accompanied by reforms thatincrease the transparency and accountability of localgovernment. Second, functions need to be devolved to a lowenough level of government for allocative efficiency toincrease as a result of decentralization. Low-levelgovernments are likely to be aware of local preferences and,if able to do so, are likely to adjust service deliveryaccordingly. Third, citizens should have channels tocommunicate their preferences and get their voices heard inlocal governments. But the existence of such channels is notenough. To effectively influence public policies and overseelocal governments, citizens need to have information aboutgovernment policies and activities. The media play a crucialrole in this area.
PDF
download
878987797
028-85220240
