Country experiences in decentralization in South Asia. Report of the subregional workshop

Abstract

According to World Bank estimates, South Asia is home to 40 percent of the 1.3 billion poor people in the world. A number of targeted programmes for achieving sustainable rural livelihoods have been implemented in the region. The programmes undertaken so far have demonstrated that decentralization of power and capacity building of institutions and individuals contribute greatly to the effective utilization of funds allocated to rural development. This subregional workshop, held in Kathmandu, Nep al from 24 to 26 February 2004, brought together senior policy-makers, NGOs and donor agencies from South Asian countries to share national experiences, strengthen strategic partnerships and formulate recommendations for decentralization in support of sustainable agriculture and rural development in the region.