Decentralization and good local governance are often identified as necessary precursors to effective pro-poor development work. In this publication, the authors examine case studies from the work of Swiss development organization Helvetas and its local partners in the Philippines, Cameroon, Mali, Vietnam and Guatemala to show how context specific initiatives have driven greater decentralization and more effective local governance. It also describes how these experiences can be built upon to influence national policy and legislative reform for decentralization and governance.

Table of Contents:

Executive Summary; Glossary; References; Figures; Tables; Foreword; Introduction; 2) Case Study Philippines; 3) Case Study Cameroon; 4) Case Study Mali; 5) Case Study Vietnam; 6) Case Study Guatemala; 7) Main Issues and Conclusions; Footnotes.