The Political Economy of State Decentralisation in Zimbabwe - Implications for Sustainable Development

This book presents a comprehensive analysis of the effects of the Zimbabwe 2013 pro-decentralisation constitution on the country's development and the role of state decentralisation. It analyses the State and it has utilised decentralisation to support the achievement of sustainable development. It interrogates if the state is decentralising or strengthening its grip to reach the populace at territorial levels.
The significance of this title lies in its timeliness and importance as it tackles a critical matter in Zimbabwe: the transfer of power from the central government to subnational governments. This transfer has far-reaching consequences for the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs) within the country. The political economy dimension of this subject sheds light on the intricate interplay between political interests, economic factors, and power dynamics that shape the process of decentralisation. As Zimbabwe endeavors to meet the SDG targets, comprehending the political economy of state decentralisation becomes imperative in identifying potential obstacles and opportunities, as well as formulating effective strategies to achieve sustainable development.
The book provides a critical analysis of the state of decentralisation in Zimbabwe and its impacts on sustainable development. It highlights the potential benefits of decentralisation and the challenges that need to be addressed for it to be successful. It also raises important questions about the role of the state in decentralisation and how it can be held accountable. This book is a valuable resource for policymakers, academics, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of decentralisation and its relationship with sustainable development in Zimbabwe.

List of contents

Chapter 1: Introduction: Understanding Decentralisation Within The Framework Of The State.- Chapter 2: The Political Economy of State Decentralisation In Zimbabwe.- Chapter 3: The Promise of Decentralisation And Devolution In Zimbabwe: A Post 2013 Constitutional Analysis of The Local Government Sector.- Chapter 4: Zimbabwe And The African Experience: Decentralisation As A Catalyst For Sustainable Development.- Chapter 5: Fiscal Decentralisation As A Central Feature of Decentralisation Reform.- Chapter 6: Provincialisation As A Reflection of Deconcentrated Manifestation of State Decentralisation In Zimbabwe.- Chapter 7: Urban Local Governments As A Reflection of Devolution of The State In Zimbabwe.- Chapter 8: Rural Local Government In Zimbabwe: A Manifestation of Devolution, Deconcentration.- Chapter 9: Traditional Authorities A Contradictory Mix Between Centralised Authority And Devolved Authority.- Chapter 10: Conclusion - Decentralisation And The Future of Sustainable Development In Zimbabwe.

About the author

Kadmiel Wekwete
is an interdisciplinary research professor at Midlands State University since 2021. He joined the University in 2014 and served two terms  as the University Pro Vice Chancellor for Business Development and Administration. Prior to joining the Midlands State University, Kadmiel served the United Nations in various capacities as Senior Adviser and Director to several UN agencies (UN Habitat, UNDP, and UN  Capital Development Fund). Kadmiel 's diverse and interdisciplinary experiences is largely derived from his academic training and practice in Spatial Urban and Regional Planning, and working with both Central and Local Governments in different countries in the developing world. In his current portfolio, Kadmiel advises faculties and departments in formulating and undertaking interdisciplinary research, supervises post graduates students, and provides advisory and consultancy support to Governments, NGOs, International Development Agencies and the Private Sector.
 

Cosmas Tinashe Shoko
(CTS) is a Lecturer in the Department of Governance and Public Management at Midlands State University (MSU). He holds a Master of Science in Local Governance Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Tertiary Education from MSU. From 2021 to 2023, he served as a Research Assistant to the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Business Development and Administration (Prof. Wekwete) and later worked as a Research Officer at the MSU-Centre for Public Policy and Devolution (February–September 2024). His research interests include local governance, decentralisation, climate change, and public procurement. CTS has participated in Provincial Development Committee meetings in the Midlands Province and has provided consultancy and research services for Client and Employee Satisfaction Surveys for Zvishavane and Norton Town Councils. He is also an emerging poet with works published in reputable literary journals and anthologies.

Summary

This book presents a comprehensive analysis of the effects of the Zimbabwe 2013 pro-decentralisation constitution on the country's development and the role of state decentralisation. It analyses the State and it has utilised decentralisation to support the achievement of sustainable development. It interrogates if the state is decentralising or strengthening its grip to reach the populace at territorial levels.
The significance of this title lies in its timeliness and importance as it tackles a critical matter in Zimbabwe: the transfer of power from the central government to subnational governments. This transfer has far-reaching consequences for the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs) within the country. The political economy dimension of this subject sheds light on the intricate interplay between political interests, economic factors, and power dynamics that shape the process of decentralisation. As Zimbabwe endeavors to meet the SDG targets, comprehending the political economy of state decentralisation becomes imperative in identifying potential obstacles and opportunities, as well as formulating effective strategies to achieve sustainable development.
The book provides a critical analysis of the state of decentralisation in Zimbabwe and its impacts on sustainable development. It highlights the potential benefits of decentralisation and the challenges that need to be addressed for it to be successful. It also raises important questions about the role of the state in decentralisation and how it can be held accountable. This book is a valuable resource for policymakers, academics, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of decentralisation and its relationship with sustainable development in Zimbabwe.

Product details

• Authors: Cosmas T Shoko, Cosmas T. Shoko, Kadmiel Wekwete
• Publisher: Springer, Berlin
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 13.06.2026
• EAN: 9783032156433
• ISBN: 978-3-0-3215643-3
• Illustrations: Approx. 200 p.
• Series: Sustainable Development Goals Series
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Geosciences; Governance, Afrika, Sustainability, Politik und Staat, Entwicklungsökonomie und Schwellenländer, Sustainable Development, Zentralregierung, Zimbabwe, Political Economy, African Politics, Governance and Government, Development Economics, State decentralisation, Provincialisation