J. Chaumba - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
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Papers by J. Chaumba
The Journal of Modern African Studies, 2003
IDS Bulletin, 2003
ABSTRACT Different forms of decentralisation are occurring in parallel, often in ways that cause ... more ABSTRACT Different forms of decentralisation are occurring in parallel, often in ways that cause confusion, ambiguity, high transaction costs and conflict, in southern Africa. Case studies in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe show how political authorities with downward accountability to electorates co-exist and sometimes conflict with decentralised service delivery (through line ministries, NGOs or donor projects). Multiple decentralisations have also brought conflicts between new local government authorities and "traditional" authorities - often further complicated by party-related affiliations. Rather than relying on idealised notions of decentralisation, the case studies suggest that efforts should be made to avoid the creation of parallel authority structures. Local government reform must take account of existing social and economic complexity and local power dynamics and not wish them away in the development of new systems of local governance. And, without providing adequate resources, and attempting to build capacity beyond councils, new elected authorities may quickly lose legitimacy, and fail to provide the development benefits they claim.
IDS Bulletin, 2003
Rural people in southern Africa make a living in diverse ways, often in harsh physical and econom... more Rural people in southern Africa make a living in diverse ways, often in harsh physical and economic environments Such contexts arc fast-changing. requiring shifts in livelihood strategies and mixes of activities This article explores both the vulnerability contexts and livelihood strategies found in the three study areas examined dunng the SLSA research programme Zambezia province, Mozambique, Chiredzi district, Zimbabwe and South Afnca's Wild Coast This article assesses how such livelihood strategies interact with wider ...
IDS Bulletin, 2003
ABSTRACT Drawing on case study material from the Sustainable Livelihoods in Southern Africa progr... more ABSTRACT Drawing on case study material from the Sustainable Livelihoods in Southern Africa programme, this article examines the turn to strategies for development in southern Africa, which seek to boost the access of the rural poor to new markets and investment opportunities. It investigates the prospects for "pro-poor" engagement with the private sector, and lists a number of policy measures needed in order to make such initiatives work for the benefit of rural livelihoods. Markets are highly politicised, the playing field is uneven and, without regulation and protection, poor communities are vulnerable to potential exploitation. Without concerted attention to improving the capacity of poor people to enter and engage with markets and to the distribution of benefits - through active state support and redistributive measures - the ideals of "pro-poor growth" and "private sector partnership" for development will remain more rhetorical gloss than reality.
IDS Bulletin, 2003
“Rights-based approaches” are increasingly seen as a core component of development by donors, NGO... more “Rights-based approaches” are increasingly seen as a core component of development by donors, NGOs and governments alike (see, for example, Haussermann 1998, Maxwell 1999). With clearly specified, legally-enshrined and universal nghts, it is argued, citizens can voice their demands on the basis of clear, transparent legal provision, sometimes with constitutional hacking. With the law providing the basis for negotiation, parties are accountable and decisions are clear. Mote generally, particularly with a constitutionally ...
IDS Bulletin, Jul 1, 2003
The Journal of Modern African Studies, 2003
IDS Bulletin, 2003
ABSTRACT Different forms of decentralisation are occurring in parallel, often in ways that cause ... more ABSTRACT Different forms of decentralisation are occurring in parallel, often in ways that cause confusion, ambiguity, high transaction costs and conflict, in southern Africa. Case studies in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe show how political authorities with downward accountability to electorates co-exist and sometimes conflict with decentralised service delivery (through line ministries, NGOs or donor projects). Multiple decentralisations have also brought conflicts between new local government authorities and "traditional" authorities - often further complicated by party-related affiliations. Rather than relying on idealised notions of decentralisation, the case studies suggest that efforts should be made to avoid the creation of parallel authority structures. Local government reform must take account of existing social and economic complexity and local power dynamics and not wish them away in the development of new systems of local governance. And, without providing adequate resources, and attempting to build capacity beyond councils, new elected authorities may quickly lose legitimacy, and fail to provide the development benefits they claim.
IDS Bulletin, 2003
Rural people in southern Africa make a living in diverse ways, often in harsh physical and econom... more Rural people in southern Africa make a living in diverse ways, often in harsh physical and economic environments Such contexts arc fast-changing. requiring shifts in livelihood strategies and mixes of activities This article explores both the vulnerability contexts and livelihood strategies found in the three study areas examined dunng the SLSA research programme Zambezia province, Mozambique, Chiredzi district, Zimbabwe and South Afnca's Wild Coast This article assesses how such livelihood strategies interact with wider ...
IDS Bulletin, 2003
ABSTRACT Drawing on case study material from the Sustainable Livelihoods in Southern Africa progr... more ABSTRACT Drawing on case study material from the Sustainable Livelihoods in Southern Africa programme, this article examines the turn to strategies for development in southern Africa, which seek to boost the access of the rural poor to new markets and investment opportunities. It investigates the prospects for "pro-poor" engagement with the private sector, and lists a number of policy measures needed in order to make such initiatives work for the benefit of rural livelihoods. Markets are highly politicised, the playing field is uneven and, without regulation and protection, poor communities are vulnerable to potential exploitation. Without concerted attention to improving the capacity of poor people to enter and engage with markets and to the distribution of benefits - through active state support and redistributive measures - the ideals of "pro-poor growth" and "private sector partnership" for development will remain more rhetorical gloss than reality.
IDS Bulletin, 2003
“Rights-based approaches” are increasingly seen as a core component of development by donors, NGO... more “Rights-based approaches” are increasingly seen as a core component of development by donors, NGOs and governments alike (see, for example, Haussermann 1998, Maxwell 1999). With clearly specified, legally-enshrined and universal nghts, it is argued, citizens can voice their demands on the basis of clear, transparent legal provision, sometimes with constitutional hacking. With the law providing the basis for negotiation, parties are accountable and decisions are clear. Mote generally, particularly with a constitutionally ...
IDS Bulletin, Jul 1, 2003