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Engaging decentralization in an uncertain political context: Lessons from Liberia

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  • Kelly Krawczyk
  • Raymond Muhula

Abstract

This study uses a Diagnostic Framework for Local Governance to evaluate the current capacity for administrative decentralization at the county level in Liberia, as well as to identify political economy challenges and opportunities surrounding decentralization. Applying the Problem†Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) framework to our findings, we offer recommendations for moving decentralization reform forward. We find strong demand for administrative decentralization among local officials, and propose that decentralization reform can be enhanced through incremental implementation that focuses on strengthening the existing structures and capacity of local administration, and through the creation of stronger accountability and participatory mechanisms. The triangulated research design includes focus group and interview data in eight Liberian counties, analyzed using NVivo Qualitative Data Analysis Software.

Suggested Citation

  • Kelly Krawczyk & Raymond Muhula, 2018. "Engaging decentralization in an uncertain political context: Lessons from Liberia," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 36(3), pages 369-386, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devpol:v:36:y:2018:i:3:p:369-386
    DOI: 10.1111/dpr.12256
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matthew Sabbi, 2023. "‘We Did Many Projects Together’: Boundary-Spanning Strategies of Councillors in Rural Ghana," Progress in Development Studies, , vol. 23(2), pages 183-202, April.

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