1. DECENTRALIZED ADMINISTRATION
Session Eight

2. Session Overview
Most scholars and policy makers regard decentralization as a solution to problems identified in the practice of centralized administration. This is because unlike centralization, decentralization fosters close interaction between central and grassroots officials and groups that operate at the lower echelon of society.

3. Session outline The important topics to be considered are:
Topic one: Explaining decentralization
Topic two: typology of decentralization
Topic three: merits of decentralization
Topic four: demerits of decentralization

4. Explaining decentralization
Topic one

5. Defining Decentralization
It is the transfer of authority from a higher level to a lower level.
It is the transfer of responsibility from the central government to sub-national government.
It is the transfer of specific functions, such as administrative, political and economic by government to quasi-independent private organizations and local governments.

6. Typology of decentralization
Topic two

7. Devolution or Political Decentralization
It is the transfer of specified responsibilities and resources from the central government to autonomous units of local governments (units with a statutory/constitutional basis for power)i.e. local communities represented by their own lay or elected officials.
The most distinctive character of devolution is that the transfer of power is based on constitutional provision.
Local governments are semi-autonomous bodies.

8. Deconcentration or Administrative Decentralization
transfer of responsibilities from central government ministries and agencies operating at the capital cities to field offices of those agencies.
It takes the form of redistribution of decision making authority, financial and management responsibilities among different levels of the national government.
It involves shifting responsibilities from central government officials at the headquarters to those working in the regions, provinces or districts and sub-district levels.

9. Definition of Delegation
It refers to the central government transferring some responsibility for decision-making and administration of public functions to semi-autonomous organizations.
The organizations are not wholly controlled by the central government but, ultimately, accountable to it

10. Fiscal/Economic Decentralization
the transfer of financial resource from the centre to the periphery (local governments) to carry out assigned functions.
May involve taxation powers.
a percentage of taxes collected or budgetary allocations.
may be transferred from the central government treasury to agencies of government at the local level.
Power over development planning.

11. Merits of decentralization
Topic three

12. Merits of decentralization
Fosters Democratic Processes – promotes local participation in the decision making process.
Accountability – closeness of representatives to the people allows for effective scrutiny.
Political Stability – Political stability is secured by the participation of the people in local government.
It improves the prospects for efficient service delivery.
Development – freedom to design and implement their own development.

13. Demerits of Decentralization
Topic four

14. Demerits Decentralization
Corruption - it may give rise to waste and corruption.
Elite Capture of Power – it is observed that it strengthens the power base of the local elite.
Inequality – it may deepen imbalanced development.
Succession – When fully operational, it could dislocate the nation.

15. Sample Question
‘Decentralization is preferable to centralization’. Discuss.
Outline and examine the factors that obstruct successful decentralization.

16. References
Conyers, D. (2007). ‘Decentralization and Service Delivery: lessons from Sub-Saharan Africa. IDS Bulletin 38 (1):
Ayee, J.R.A. (2008). Reforming the African Public Sector: Retrospect and Prospects. CODESRIA Green Book: Dakar.