Decentralization and Governance

Decentralization, a process that involves devolving power from national authority to local government, is a practice meant to increase government efficiency and responsiveness. It is based on the idea that local representatives are better able to understand and respond to local needs. Thus, decentralizing administrative power to local level helps to improve the livelihood of grass root people. Indeed, one of the greatest benefits to a decentralized administrative system is its ability to address local issues. In addition, it also ensures efficiency whereby local governments represent smaller populations than centralized governments, and need to respond to fewer issues. As a result, they are able to remain smaller and more affordable and to expedite their bureaucratic processes. Equally, encouraging political involvement and ensuring check and balances are also other benefits of decentralization. This book is an assessment of the implication of administrative decentralization for local governance in Ethiopia using both qualitative and quantitative research methods.