Book contents
- From Divided Pasts to Cohesive Futures
- From Divided Pasts to Cohesive Futures
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Contributors
- Foreword
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction: Understanding Processes of Change in Social Cohesion: Learning from Comparative History
- Part I Social Cohesion in Africa: Case Studies of Past and Present
- Part II Policies and Institutions for Social Cohesion
- 6 Redressing Inequalities in Societies
- 7 Vertical and Horizontal Decentralisation for Equity and Stability
- 8 Land Reform
- 9 Protecting Education from Ethnic Politics
- 10 Building Social Cohesion through Education in Africa? Lessons from Côte d’Ivoire and Kenya
- 11 Remaking Cape Town
- 12 Key Ingredients of Inclusive Politics
- Part III Conclusions and Policy Recommendations
- Index
- References
7 - Vertical and Horizontal Decentralisation for Equity and Stability
from Part II - Policies and Institutions for Social Cohesion
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 August 2019
By
Book contents
- From Divided Pasts to Cohesive Futures
- From Divided Pasts to Cohesive Futures
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Contributors
- Foreword
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction: Understanding Processes of Change in Social Cohesion: Learning from Comparative History
- Part I Social Cohesion in Africa: Case Studies of Past and Present
- Part II Policies and Institutions for Social Cohesion
- 6 Redressing Inequalities in Societies
- 7 Vertical and Horizontal Decentralisation for Equity and Stability
- 8 Land Reform
- 9 Protecting Education from Ethnic Politics
- 10 Building Social Cohesion through Education in Africa? Lessons from Côte d’Ivoire and Kenya
- 11 Remaking Cape Town
- 12 Key Ingredients of Inclusive Politics
- Part III Conclusions and Policy Recommendations
- Index
- References
Summary
This chapter considers the role of decentralization in multiethnic societies. It distinguishes between vertical decentralization, in which powers are handed down from the central government to local authorities, and horizontal decentralization, in which powers at the centre are diffused among different Ministries and different arms of government, including extending democratic checks on government action. It is argued that both types of decentralization can lead to more inclusive governments and more peaceful societies, as well as improving efficiency and possibly reducing corruption. The chapter reviews the examples of Kenya, Uganda and Indonesia. In each case, both types of decentralization have increased in recent years, albeit with some retreat in the case of Indonesia. There have been some positive results, but the process has also shown problems of service quality, local level resource deficiency and continued high levels of corruption. The chapter concludes that successful vertical decentralization needs to be accompanied by a process of horizontal decentralization that can provide guidance and accountability to decision makers at all levels. Over time, the magnitude of local taxes needs to be increased relative to central grants following the pattern in more developed countries.
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- From Divided Pasts to Cohesive FuturesReflections on Africa, pp. 223 - 245Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2019
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