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The Eight Modes of Local Governance in West Africa

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  • Jean‐Pierre Olivier de Sardan

Abstract

Used in an analytical and non‐normative way, the concept of governance may be taken to refer to any organised method of delivering public or collective services and goods according to specific logics and norms, and to specific forms of authority. This article applies the concept to analysis of local arenas in which public goods and services are delivered or co‐delivered in Niger and other countries of West Africa. The analysis proposes eight ‘modes of local governance’ and describes their main characteristics drawing on fieldwork evidence collected over an extended period. Chiefly, associational, municipal (municipal council), project‐based, bureaucratic, sponsorship‐based, religious and merchant modes of governance are distinguished. The article concludes by defining and delimiting a concept of local political culture, referring to a set of shared modern practices and representations relating to the practical operation of modes of local governance in specific local arenas.

Suggested Citation

  • Jean‐Pierre Olivier de Sardan, 2011. "The Eight Modes of Local Governance in West Africa," IDS Bulletin, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 42(2), pages 22-31, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:idsxxx:v:42:y:2011:i:2:p:22-31
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1111/idsb.2011.42.issue-2
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    Cited by:

    1. Samantha Melis & Raymond Apthorpe, 2020. "The Politics of the Multi-Local in Disaster Governance," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(4), pages 366-374.
    2. Shehryar Khan Toru, 2015. "Development Policy Failure in Pakistan: Institutional and Governance Challenges," Southern Voice Occasional Paper 19, Southern Voice.
    3. Salvador Forquilha, 2020. "Decentralization reforms in Mozambique: The role of institutions in the definition of results," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2020-132, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    4. Sundaresan, Jayaraj, 2017. "Urban planning in vernacular governance: land use planning and violations in Bangalore, India," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 86388, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    5. Ansoms, An & Wagemakers, Inge & Madison Walker, Michael & Murison, Jude, 2014. "Land Contestation at the Micro Scale: Struggles for Space in the African Marshes," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 243-252.
    6. Gedion Onyango, 2021. "Whistleblower protection in developing countries: a review of challenges and prospects," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 1(12), pages 1-30, December.
    7. Tom Herdt & Kristof Titeca, 2016. "Governance with Empty Pockets: The Education Sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 47(3), pages 472-494, May.
    8. Chiyemura, Frangton & Gambino, Elisa & Zajontz, Tim, 2023. "Infrastructure and the politics of African state agency: shaping the Belt and Road Initiative in East Africa," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 114271, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    9. Eileen Bogweh Nchanji, 2017. "Sustainable Urban Agriculture in Ghana: What Governance System Works?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(11), pages 1-18, November.

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