Promoting Decentralization with International Cooperation for Development: A Case of Nepal

Abstract

The 1990 political change from an authoritarian regime to a multi-party democracy in Nepal has provided a favourable background for the introduction of decentralization. Since 1990, the Government has shown a consistent commitment to decentralization with a view to enhancing cost-effectiveness and sustainability of development, and has consolidated the decentralization framework of Nepal through the adoption of the new decentralization policy and acts.

The most salient aspect of the Government's decentralization policy is the devolution of authority and power down to local governments. The multi-party democracy has brought the element of accountability of the local elected leaders, thus contributing to making decentralization a reality. Another crucial feature of the policy is that the local representatives only act as planners, facilitators, and resource allocators for various local organizations (local NGOs and user groups) to manage their own development, not as direct implementors.

Within the context of this policy, a UNDP-financed project, “Supporting Decentralization in Nepal”, has assisted several districts to develop their capacity in decentralized management of development; the pilot districts have developed a district-wise data base, and have also learnt to plan and monitor/evaluate development activities, involving all parts of the district. With the project's support, the local governments have deepened their knowledge of the development conditions of their areas, and have enhanced their capabilities to reorient the local development administration to better address the problems and needs of the people. This has resulted, in some cases, in local bodies' “assisting” other UNDP-supported activities to better meet the priorities of local communities.

One of the best ways to assist in promoting participatory development, it is often said, is the strengthening of responsive and effective local government structures. The case of Nepal not only support this proposition, but also suggests a new direction for development cooperation; a type of cooperation that can attenuate “donor-recipient” relations in favour of a more collaborative exercise.