Decentralisation in Developing Countries

The book is a comparative study on the decetralisation patterns in three developing countries of comparable size and population— Nigeria, China and India. After an introduction that deals with definitions and the ground rules of the study, the book unfolds the history of local governments in each one of these countries. These descriptive chapters are followed by an analysis of the three systems under the common parameters of structure, functions and resources, which finally lead to the conclusions arrived at in the last chapter. While describing the ground realities in each of these countries, the book concludes that greater decentralisation and democratisation is needed not only for development but also to fulfill the needs and aspirations of the people, The journey to decentralisation is neither short nor easy, but it appears inevitable in any human society. This book is an attempt to make the journey smooth and purposeful