Product Description
Local Government Administration in Eastern and Southern Africa
Authors: T Masiya, S Lubinga, M Kanyane, K Phago
Format: Physical Hardcopy
Local Government Administration in Eastern and Southern Africa offers a comprehensive, comparative exploration of local governance across nine diverse countries: Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
This volume brings together leading scholars and practitioners to examine the evolution, structure and transformative potential of local government in a region marked by both shared challenges and unique national trajectories. This scholarly work provides depth pertaining to the substance, context and form of the local government system for these eastern and southern African countries covered in this book.
The book moves from foundational concepts and historical legacies to thematic innovations and detailed country case studies, such as the evolution of local government in postcolonial Kenya and the challenges and opportunities of decentralisation in contemporary South Africa. Readers will gain critical insights into:
Through rich country cases and cross-regional analysis, the book highlights both the promise and complexity of decentralisation, participatory democracy and developmental local government. It draws lessons from successes and setbacks, offering practical recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, students and all those committed to strengthening local government as a driver of inclusive development and democratic renewal in Africa.
Local Government Administration in Eastern and Southern Africa serves as an essential resource for scholars, practitioners and students in understanding the realities and possibilities of local governance in the region. This book makes a unique contribution to the field of Public Administration, where the future of democracy, governance, service delivery and sustainable development is being shaped, one community at a time.
Features:
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the historical development of local government, from colonial and post-independence eras to contemporary reforms
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the constitutional, legislative and institutional frameworks shaping local governance and intergovernmental relations
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the core functions and responsibilities of local authorities, including service delivery, community development and local economic growth
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transformative themes such as hybrid governance, exploring the intersection of traditional and modern governance systems; and co-production, emphasising the role of citizens in service delivery, climate resilience, digital transformation, ethical leadership and innovative financing, all of which are crucial for the future of local governance in Africa
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the persistent challenges of capacity constraints, political interference, fiscal dependency and inequality, as well as emerging best practices that offer hope for more responsive, accountable and sustainable local governance
Contents:
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Chapter 1: Introduction and context
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Chapter 2: Historical development of local government in Eastern and Southern Africa
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Chapter 3: Local government and decentralisation model in Eastern and Southern Africa
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Chapter 4: Local government functions and responsibilities
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Chapter 5: Service delivery dynamics from local and regional perspectives
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Chapter 6: Local government and intergovernmental relations
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Chapter 7: Hybrid local governance models
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Chapter 8: Promoting co-production and co-creation
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Chapter 9: Local government and climate change response in Eastern and Southern Africa
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Chapter 10: Digitalisation and digital transformation in local government: concepts and realities
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Chapter 11: Ensuring ethical leadership and accountability in local government
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Chapter 12: Local government financing and management strategies
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Chapter 13: The case study of South Africa’s local government system
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Chapter 14: Case study of Zimbabwe’s local government system
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Chapter 15: Botswana’s local government system
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Chapter 16: Zambia’s local governance system
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Chapter 17: Malawi’s local government system: challenges and opportunities
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Chapter 18: A case study of Tanzania’s local government system
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Chapter 19: Case study of Kenya’s local government system
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Chapter 20: Case study of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s local government system
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Chapter 21: Local government system of Mozambique
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Chapter 22: Conclusion
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