Decentralization and Its Impacts

A series of flashcards covering key definitions and concepts related to decentralization from the lecture notes.

Decentralization

The assignment of fiscal, political, and administrative responsibilities to lower levels of government.

De-concentration

A form of decentralization where the national government shifts some administrative power to its own ministry offices at the local level.

Delegation

When the national government delegates administrative authority to parastatal organizations at the local or regional level.

Privatization

The transfer of economic planning, production, distribution or other functions from government to private or non-governmental institutions.

Devolution

The transfer of political power from central government to lower-tier authorities, often resulting in the establishment of local governments.

Political decentralization

Aims to give citizens or their elected representatives more power in public decision-making processes.

Administrative decentralization

The transfer of public service delivery functions from the central government to local governments and institutions.

Fiscal decentralization

The restructuring of financial responsibility to empower local governments with adequate revenues and authority over expenditures.

DACF

District Assembly Common Fund, a financial source allocated to local governments based on a formula prepared by the Administrator and approved by Parliament.

Challenges of decentralization

Include issues such as lack of technical personnel, inadequate fiscal resources, and interference from central government.