全球智库信息集成服务系统

This paper documents and analyses the evolution of rural decentralisation since its inception in 1999. Through the experience of two rural municipalities in southern Mali, it assesses the ways in which pre-existing local dynamics influenced the creation of municipalities, the election and founding of municipal councils, and their capacity to act. After outlining the research methodology, this paper gives an overview of decentralisation in Mali, and a description of the two municipalities studied and the inauguration of their municipal councils. It then assesses how the municipalities’ origins and social capital have affected their internal dynamics and achievements, and concludes by considering the ways in which decentralisation can be made to work for the benefit of rural people.