Urban Governance Voice & Poverty in the Developing World

In this book an international team of researchers examines the hitherto little-studied relationship between urban governance and growing poverty. The core of the book is the result of three years of research in ten cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America including interviews with key actors both within and outside city governments, discussions with poverty groups, community organizations and NGOs, as well as analyses of data on poverty, services and finance. Ultimately the evidence demonstrates that in many countries the global trend towards decentralization and democratization offers exciting new opportunities for the poor to have an influence on the decisions that affect them. It proves that the extent of that influence depends on the nature of those democratic arrangements and decision-making processes at the local level. The book presents insights, conclusions and practical examples that are of relevance for all cities, and it outlines policy implications for national and local governments, NGOs, and donor agencies.