Articles · Vol. 32 No. 1 (2007): Africa Development

District Assemblies in a Fix: The Perils of Self-Seeking Tendencies in Decentralisation Policy Reforms in Malawi

  • Blessings Chinsinga
    Blessings Chinsinga
    Department of Political and Administrative Studies, Chancellor College, P.O Box 280, Zomba, Malawi. E-mail: kchinsinga@yahoo.co.uk
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Vol. 32 · 2007 No. 1 Africa Development AD

Abstract

This article appraises the prospects of the District Assembly system inaugu- rated under the auspices of decentralisation policy reforms introduced to insti- tutionalise local governance structures and processes that are responsive, demo- cratic, and capable of improving the livelihoods of the poor. While there seems to be reasonable consensus about the desirability of a decentralised planning framework as a vehicle for sustainable governance, development and poverty reduction, most stakeholders are nevertheless primarily motivated by the desire to advance, safeguard and gratify self-interests. Therefore, the major thrust of the argument of this paper is that unless these self-seeking tendencies are effec- tively tamed, the trinity of good governance, development and poverty reduc- tion in the evolving structures and processes of local government will remain an unattainable ideal.

 

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Author Biography

  • Blessings Chinsinga

    Department of Political and Administrative Studies, Chancellor College, P.O Box 280, Zomba, Malawi. E-mail: kchinsinga@yahoo.co.uk

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