International development is replete with examples of failure. This has led to notes of cynicism being struck in commentaries on development, whether in relation to failed states, donor ineptitude or the unaccountability of NGOs. Precisely because the grand visions have not been realized and macro-level policies have been so controversial, attention turned to initiatives at the local level. However, too many expectations were placed on interventions at the local level and it did not take long before they became formalized, institutionalized and bureaucratized, losing their capacity for rapid response and flexibility.
This book is about an alternative approach. Starting from a critical engagement with theories of decentralization and a review of social funds, it explores the value of funding local initiatives that are designed not only to support development activities but also to promote local democracy. Reviewing experiences from Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, the book demonstrates how, at their most innovative, local funds can deliver development within the context of a rights-based approach and as a critical component of democratic decentralization.
Funding Local Governance will appeal to academic, professional and practitioner audiences. It will be of considerable value to people working in international development agencies, NGOs and in local government. It will be of interest to researchers, teachers and students of development, urban studies, local government and politics, geography and urban planning as well as area studies specialists.

Funding Local Governance: Small Grants for Democracy and Development (Urban Management Series)

Jo Beall, Nicholas Hall

Beall, Jo, 1952-

Practical Action Publishing

Rugby, UK: ITDG Publishing

IT Publications

Urban management series, Rugby, England, 2005

United Kingdom and Ireland, United Kingdom

URBAN MANAGEMENT SERIES, LONDON, Unknown

Urban management series, Rugby, UK, 2005

April 2005

Includes bibliographical references (p. [208]-222) and index

xviii, 229 pages : 24 cm
Funding Local Governance provides an incisive critique of local funds as an aid instrument, tracing strengths and pitfalls in design and implementation, and showing the importance of the political, policy, and institutional contexts. Through detailed case study and material from around the world including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe, Funding Local Governance provides a rounded and critical analysis that highlights the conditions under which local funds are most likely to succeed, both in supporting community and social development and in promotong local democracy. This book is an invaluable resource for academics, professionals, and practitioners in the areas of local government and politics, development, urban planning, and geography and will be of great interest to those working in international development agencies, NGOs, and local government
Includes bibliographical references (pages 208-222) and index

2023-06-28