Course Description – Politics and Local Governance (PLOCG04)

Course Code: PLOCG04
Course Title: Politics and Local Governance
Program: BASOCW (Bachelor of Arts in Social Work / Community Development / Public Administration)
Credit Hours: 3
Level: Undergraduate – Year 3/4

Course Overview

Politics and Local Governance explores the principles, structures, and processes of governance at the local and community levels. The course examines how political institutions, policies, and leadership influence local development, service delivery, and citizen participation. Students will analyze the interplay between national policies and local governance structures, with emphasis on decentralization, accountability, transparency, and participatory decision-making. The course also highlights the role of civil society, traditional authorities, and local government in shaping development outcomes.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the principles and structures of local governance.

2. Analyze the relationship between politics, policy, and community development.

3. Evaluate models of decentralization and local government administration.

4. Examine the role of citizen participation and civil society in governance.

5. Assess challenges and opportunities in local governance, including corruption, leadership, and service delivery.

6. Apply governance principles to improve community engagement and development outcomes.

Key Topics Covered

• Introduction to Politics and Local Governance: Concepts and Significance

• Political Systems and Local Government Structures

• Decentralization: Theories, Models, and Implementation

• Governance, Accountability, and Transparency at the Local Level

• Citizen Participation and Community Empowerment

• Leadership and Decision-Making in Local Governance

• Public Policy Formulation and Implementation at Local Level

• Role of Civil Society, NGOs, and Traditional Authorities

• Challenges in Local Governance: Corruption, Resource Management, and Service Delivery

• Comparative Case Studies of Local Governance and Development

• Participatory Planning and Monitoring of Local Development Projects

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Explain the principles and structures of local governance.

• Critically analyze the relationship between politics and local development.

• Apply decentralization and participatory governance principles in practice.

• Demonstrate understanding of citizen engagement, accountability, and transparency mechanisms.

• Evaluate governance challenges and propose solutions for effective local administration.

Assessment Methods

• Class Participation & Discussions (10%)

• Individual Assignment / Case Study Analysis (15%)

• Mid-Semester Examination (20%)

• Group Project / Presentation (15%)

• Final Examination (40%)

Recommended References

• Manor, J. – The Political Economy of Decentralization

• UNDP – Local Governance and Sustainable Development

• Shah, A. – Local Governance in Developing Countries

• Smoke, P. – Decentralisation in Africa: Goals, Dimensions, and Outcomes

• National Policy and Governance Frameworks (Local Government Acts, Strategic Plans)

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