Non-centralized provision of public services and governance and management of renewable natural resources in contemporary Mali : volume I -- final report

Material and institutional constraints on these efforts were examined as well. The public services studies examined a variety of sectors, including primary education, public health, water supply, and rural roads maintenance, and sought to understand how various incentives for and against providing quality services led different actors to adopt different strategies. The renewable natural resources component studied six sites where local populations were reported to be managing such resources. The study found that rural communities in Mali vary in their capacity to undertake collective action, provide services, facilitate private sector activities, coordinate natural resource management initiatives across several local jurisdictions and informal governments, and resolve disputes. Indeed, almost all the site visits and case studies revealed problems and limitations affecting the ability of local governments to provide services and govern resources. These limitations are not, however, a valid argument for refusing to devolve more authority to the local level. Rather, it is crucial to assist local people to strengthen their capacities for self-management. The report includes (1) a summary of formal rules regulating local organization, as well as policies concerning home rule provisions under consideration by the Malian government; and (2) recommendations for follow-on activities. (Author abstract, modified)