In various African countries, governments have been forced to accept or establish decentralized structures in order to help the poor sections of their population gain access to and influence development resources. There is confusion about the role and function of such decentralized structures, as well as sustainable political approaches to the top-down transfer of government power in the context of local agendas. This book highlights major aspects of the legitimacy of local power as presented by both modern self-government structures and traditional communal authorities. Although the main focus is on Southern Africa (Namibia, South Africa, Botswana), examples from other regions (Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo) are also presented.
"Manfred O. Hinz" is professor at the Centre for Applied Social Sciences, Windhoek.
"Thomas Gatter" is researcher at the Centre of African and Migration Studies, Bremen.