Books

Decentralisation and regional development: experiences and lessons from four continents over three decades

Dick, Eva / Karin Gaesing / Dan Inkoom / Theo Kausel (eds.)
Books (2016)

Heidelberg: Springer

ISBN: 978-3-31929-365-3
Information

In the context of a paradigm shift from centralised to decentralised governance systems, currently governments all over the world are encouraged to enhance popular participation in decision making and policies that are based on and respond to the needs of local communities. In contemporary literature, decentralisation is promoted as a means for enhancing effectiveness and efficiency in public service delivery, local level empowerment, political stability and equitable resource distribution. The present volume provides insight into experiences with decentralisation reforms in Ghana, Germany, the Philippines, Tanzania and Chile in the past three decades, thus offering a cross-continental comparison. It delineates the distinct context factors informing decentralisation and regional development paths in each of these countries and analyses successes as well as challenges manifesting in selected policy sectors. Compiled on the occasion of the retirement of Prof. Dr. Einhard Schmidt-Kallert, this collected volume also reflects 30 years of joint teaching and research of five partner universities in the context of the international masters programme “Spatial Planning for Regions in Growing Economies” (SPRING).