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Decentralization: Toward A Revitalized Strategy For Rural Development

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  • Parker, Andrew N.
  • Kirsten, Johann

Abstract

Despite recognition of the need for special strategies to address the widespread incidence of rural poverty in developing countries, initiatives aimed at bringing about a transformation of the rural standard of living have not had a consistent impact on reducing poverty. The failure of the most recent of these interventions-integrated rural development-has left a policy vacuum as donors and countries struggle to find new ways to reduce rural poverty. Recent initiatives designed to put in place decentralized mechanisms for rural development offer possibilities for building on the essential principles of integrated rural development while avoiding problems associated with an over-centralization of functions and responsibilities. This paper examines the potential role for decentralization in designing improved rural development programs. Some of the recent efforts to implement programs of decentralized rural development are described and analyzed. The paper concludes that although decentralization initiatives have a long history, much more needs to be understood with respect to the various components of decentralization if sound advice is to be given to policy-makers. A conceptual model is suggested that incorporates the essential elements of decentralization processes and relates them to rural development outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Parker, Andrew N. & Kirsten, Johann, 1995. "Decentralization: Toward A Revitalized Strategy For Rural Development," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 34(4), December.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:agreko:267848
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.267848
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Parker, Andrew N., 1995. "Decentralization : the way forward for rural development?," Policy Research Working Paper Series 1475, The World Bank.
    2. Feder, Gershon & Slade, Roger H, 1986. "The Impact of Agricultural Extension: The Training and Visit System in India," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 1(2), pages 139-161, July.
    3. van Zyl, Johan & Barbosa, Tulio & Parker, Andrew N. & Sonn, Loretta, 1995. "Decentralized rural development and enhanced community participation : a case study from Northeast Brazil," Policy Research Working Paper Series 1498, The World Bank.
    4. Anwar Shah & Zia Qureshi & Amaresh Bagchi & Brian Binder & Heng-fu Zou, 1994. "Intergovernmental fiscal relations in Indonesia: issues and reform options," CEMA Working Papers 474, China Economics and Management Academy, Central University of Finance and Economics.
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