Context Specificity

Context matters

There is no blueprint for successful decentralisation. Decisions on the process of decentralisation, about the tasks transferred, the mechanisms of transfer, the decentralised institutions and their working processes have to reflect the objectives set, taking into account the specificities of the country context. Decentralisation must be shaped in the perspective of national and local framework conditions, ongoing processes and issues of political and administrative reform, the particular interests and perceptions of the stakeholders involved, previous experiences with decentralised institutions and processes. If specific contextual challenges and potentials are not taken into account, decentralisation will not bring sustainable results.