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Participation, Decentralization and Human RightsThis report examines the theoretical and
 practical synergies between three intervention models that
 are currently being employed to improve local governance in
 developing countries: 1) democratic decentralization or
 devolution; 2) community participatory approaches, and; 3)
 rights-based approaches. The aim is to identify the
 possibilities and challenges of an 'integrative
 approach' to local governance that combines the
 strengths of each of the three intervention models. It is
 assumed that an integrative approach can help enhance
 efforts to improve the downward accountability of local
 governments, enhance equity in the distribution of services
 and in various citizens' access to influence, and
 increase citizen participation in local governance
 processes. This is supported by a number of empirical cases
 from Africa, Latin America, Asia and Bosnia-Herzegovina,
 which are presented in the report. Each case also highlights
 a number of context-specific challenges to using an
 integrative approach, such as available financial resources,
 national policy environments and local conflicts. The report
 fills this gap by both identifying theoretical synergies and
 by drawing on the few empirical cases that exist.
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Initiatives Supporting Demand for Good Governance Across World Bank Group Sectors and RegionsThis preliminary stocktaking report on the demand for good governance is an effort of the Demand For Good Governance (DFGG) peer learning network to bring together and highlight the wealth of existing knowledge and practices currently available to support DFGG across the World Bank. This report puts forth a framework with key principles for organizing the complex universe of DFGG efforts across sectors and regions. The paper also identifies entry-points areas of development assistance and illustrates a few good practice examples supporting and strengthening DFFG for the World Bank as it builds its understanding of the areas where the institution can scale-up these activities. This report identifies a wide-range of activities supporting DFGG, however, it is worthwhile to note some challenges in collecting information on these activities. The report provides a more detailed review of the overall findings of DFGG work across the Bank. This paper constitute the following sections: an overview of the key DFGG elements in the organizing framework; entry-points for strengthening demand for good governance with case study examples; summary of key findings of the stocktaking; and finally, some challenges that the World Bank needs to address to mainstream DFGG operationally. The annexes constitutes of the following parts: annex one is a compiled list of notable demand for good governance activities supported by the World Bank identified in the stocktaking exercise and by World Bank Vice President Units; annex two provides a brief description of projects to show how the projects and or elements within the projects support DFGG efforts; annex three provides an overview of broad categories of tools and mechanisms supporting DFGG elements in activities; annex four provides a list of World Bank staff contacted and interviewed in the stocktaking exercise; and annex five provides a list of references reviewed.
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Decentralization and Local Democracy
 in the World : First Global Report by United Cities and
 Local Governments 2008This overall picture of decentralization
 and local democracy in African countries shows significant
 progress at the strictly institutional level. No country now
 publicly opposes the implementation of decentralization
 policies. Local governments exist in all countries, and
 elections are held to elect local authorities. The extent of
 such progress must, however, be set against a number of
 persistent obstacles that continue to hinder a real
 progression of decentralization in Africa. Difficulties
 remain within states concerning the transfer of financial
 resources needed to match the devolved responsibilities.
 Local governments also face difficulties in increasing their
 own resources (aside from state-transfers and grants) at a
 faster pace. Ensuring the availability of qualified human
 resources at the local level and improving public access to
 local services are also fundamental issues of concern.