A STUDY ON THE CHALLENGES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT DECENTRALIZATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NGUTI SUBDIVISION, CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Globalisation has triggered a steady wave of decentralisation across many developing nations, aimed at promoting growth and sustainable development. Globalisation, defined as the increasing interconnectedness among countries, influences various aspects of life, including economic, cultural, political, and social spheres (Anand, 2018). In their research, BakamaNume (2019) suggested that decentralisation could serve as a strategic mechanism to enhance government efficiency and support economic progress, especially as many nations integrate into the global framework. Ayee (2016) argued that decentralisation should be leveraged to improve the planning and execution of rural development initiatives. According to Ayee, the core idea behind decentralisation is to reduce the overwhelming authority held by central governments by transferring power and responsibilities to local institutions. Bardhan viewed decentralisation as a tool for balancing representation with participation—key pillars in promoting development, which is central to this study. As an approach, decentralisation offers a pathway for governments to more effectively address the needs of their populations, especially in underserved rural regions. Historically, Cameroon has operated under a centralised governance model, where the central government held control over decision-making and resource distribution. However, increasing demands for political and administrative reform prompted the institutionalisation of decentralisation in Cameroon’s 1996 Constitution, further elaborated in subsequent laws like the 2004 Decentralisation Law (Fokwang, 2015). Despite these legal frameworks, the real-life implementation of decentralisation in the country has been fraught with challenges and complexities. Nguti subdivision, largely rural in nature, features diverse landscapes ranging from dense rainforests to agricultural plains. The population is composed of various ethnic groups primarily engaged in subsistence farming, small-scale trade, and artisanal work. Despite its abundant natural and agricultural resources, Nguti remains underdeveloped, with noticeable infrastructure deficits and persistent rural poverty. Although decentralisation presents a theoretical opportunity to empower local communities and boost development, its actual impact on rural areas like Nguti is still not fully understood. Much of the existing research on decentralisation in Cameroon tends to focus on broad national perspectives, often overlooking the unique challenges faced at the local level. This creates a strong need for more targeted, localised research to uncover the specific barriers affecting effective decentralisation and its influence on rural development in Nguti. Past studies have largely centred on urban contexts or generalized national issues, failing to reflect the distinct challenges and opportunities in rural settings like Nguti (Mbia, 2018). Additionally, many studies lack comprehensive empirical data and often exclude the voices of local stakeholders, limiting our understanding of how decentralisation actually functions on the ground. This study, therefore, seeks to fill this research gap by conducting a focused, in-depth investigation into the dynamics of decentralisation in Nguti subdivision. The researcher specifically aims to examine the difficulties local governments face and the resulting impact on rural development in the region. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Decentralisation of local government is widely recognised as a strategy to empower communities, improve governance, and foster rural development. However, the practical implementation of decentralisation policies encounters significant challenges—especially in areas like Nguti subdivision, Cameroon (Anand, 2018). While the theoretical benefits of decentralisation are acknowledged, there is a lack of detailed, focused studies that explore the specific difficulties encountered and their consequences on rural development in Nguti. Key obstacles may include a lack of technical know-how and administrative skills at the local level, inadequate financial support from the central government (World Bank, 2017), as well as political, ethnic, and socio-economic divides. Furthermore, weak mechanisms for citizen participation and engagement also limit the effectiveness of decentralisation (Ayee, 2016). The persistence of these issues raises serious questions about whether decentralisation truly serves as an effective tool for rural development in Nguti subdivision (BakamaNume, 2019). To formulate targeted and practical solutions, it is essential for policymakers, development practitioners, and stakeholders to gain a deep understanding of the scale and nature of these challenges. With that in mind, this study aims to critically investigate the barriers to decentralisation and evaluate how they affect rural development efforts in Nguti subdivision. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The main objective of this study is to examine the challenges of decentralisation within local government structures and their impact on rural development in Nguti subdivision, Cameroon. Specifically, the study seeks to: i. Evaluate how effectively decentralisation has been implemented in Nguti subdivision. ii. Assess the influence of decentralisation on rural development within the area. iii. Identify the key challenges that hinder successful decentralisation and rural development in Nguti subdivision. 1.4 Research Questions The study aims to answer the following questions: i. To what extent has decentralisation been effectively implemented in Nguti subdivision? ii. What impact has decentralisation had on rural development in the region? iii. What are the major challenges impeding effective decentralisation and rural development in Nguti subdivision? 1.5 Significance of the Study This study holds importance for several key stakeholders: Policymakers: The research offers valuable insights into the specific opportunities and challenges present in Nguti subdivision, which can guide policymakers in evaluating the effectiveness of current decentralisation strategies and determining areas for policy improvement. Academic Community: The findings of this research contribute to existing academic literature on decentralisation and rural development by providing detailed, localised evidence. Scholars and researchers can use this study as a foundation for further exploration into the nuances of decentralisation in Cameroon and similar settings, thereby enriching both theoretical understanding and practical knowledge in the field. 1.6 Scope of the Study This study concentrates on the challenges associated with the decentralisation of local government and its effects on rural development, specifically within the Nguti subdivision of Cameroon. It will empirically assess the extent of decentralisation implementation, examine its developmental impact, and identify the key obstacles that impede progress in this area. 1.7 Limitations of the Study As with most research endeavours, this study encountered a few limitations. Financial constraints limited the researcher's ability to access all relevant materials, gather extensive literature, and conduct a more comprehensive data collection process (such as online surveys, field visits, and interviews). This led to the selection of a more manageable sample size. Additionally, the researcher had to balance this study with other academic responsibilities, which affected the overall time allocated for the research. 1.8 Definition of Terms Decentralisation: The process through which powers, responsibilities, and decision-making authority are transferred from the central government to lower tiers of governance such as regional, district, or local councils. It is aimed at fostering greater efficiency, accountability, and citizen participation. Local Government: A tier of governance responsible for administering a specific geographical area—such as a municipality, district, or subdivision. Local governments are tasked with delivering public services, managing community resources, and representing local interests. Rural Development: A set of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas. This typically includes investment in agriculture, infrastructure, education, health services, and social welfare. Governance: Refers to the structures, processes, and practices by which public institutions conduct affairs, manage resources, and make decisions. Good governance emphasizes transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and adherence to the rule of law—all essential for development and societal progress. REFERENCES Anand, S. (2018). Decentralization and local government capacity: The case of Ghana. Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 8(3), 182-194. World Bank. (2017). Decentralization and local service delivery in Cameroon: A governance review. World Bank Group. BakamaNume, B. (2019). The politics of decentralization and local government in Cameroon: The case of the North West Region. Journal of Political Sciences & Public Affairs, 7(1), 1-7. Ayee, J. R. A. (2016). Decentralization and local government performance in Ghana: A case study of the Akuapem North District Assembly. International Journal of Public Administration and Management Research, 4(3), 21-32. Fokwang, J. (2015). Decentralization and local governance in Cameroon: An appraisal of the policy implementation process. Journal of Social Sciences, 42(1), 37-46. Mbia, W. F. (2018). The paradoxes of decentralization and local governance in Cameroon. International Journal of Public Administration and Management Research, 6(1), 10-20.