Sourcebooks
The Online Sourcebook on Decentralization and
Local Development
Decentralization — the transfer of authority and responsibility
for public functions from the central government to subordinate or quasiindependent
government organizations and/or the private sector — is a complex
multifaceted concept. The term "decentralization" embraces a variety
of concepts which must be carefully analyzed in any particular country
before determining if projects or programs should support reorganization
of financial, administrative, or service delivery systems. This sourcebook
is a collaborative effort by FAO, GTZ, SDC, UNDP and the World Bank
intended to assist countries in determining whether and how to undertake
decentralization.
