African continent has for several decades been considered the poorest continent in the world simply because the majority of children and adults suffer from extreme poverty. According to the global development report published by the guardian in 2016, Sub-Saharan Africa not only has the highest percentage of children living in extreme poverty (49%), it is home to the largest share of the world’s extremely poor children (51%). South Asia has the second highest share (36%).
Although many experts have indicated that sub-Sahara Africa in particular, is expected to reach a GDP of $29 trillion by 2050, there is little to indicate how this growth correlates with economic development. No matter how true these predictions might be, sub-Sahara Africa’s economic development is slower and the situation on ground don’t reflect whether this growth will soon give birth to economic development as exports argue. Sub-Sahara Africa is losing energetic labor force through economic migration that that has since 2013 become a serious social problem to Europe. [...]
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Republic of Rwanda
3. Governance system in Rwanda
4. Home-Grown Solutions in Governance
5. Conclusion
Research Objective and Topics
This paper examines the role of good governance in alleviating poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically focusing on the success story of Rwanda and how its unique administrative practices have fostered economic development.
- The correlation between governance and economic growth in African nations.
- Comparative analysis of Sub-Saharan Africa's development trajectory vs. East Asian models.
- The concept and implementation of "Home-Grown Solutions" in Rwanda.
- The impact of performance-based public management and local participation.
- Rwanda's post-genocide economic and social reconstruction.
Excerpt from the Book
Home-Grown Solutions in Governance
These home-grown solutions in governance is a unique system where traditional culture is used as a source of inspiration in finding solutions to modern day challenges (Ndahiro, 2015). The system of governance in Rwanda is idiosyncratic in nature, it involves what James Scott (19980) labels metis- the ability to use local knowledge to create local solutions. In Rwanda, it has strongly cemented people’s willingness to participate in management, reconstruction and development of their country.
I. Performance contracts (Imihigo), this system of governance is traditional, it was used in the former kingdom of Rwanda, here contracts between the warriors and the king to bring success in terms of conquests and spoils of war were signed, as the declarations were made by the warriors in the presence of the peers, efforts were made to bring success at home at any cost. There were certain punishment and lose of respect for failing to bring success by the king to his warriors and yet there were rewards and conquering heroes were praised in songs and poems. Today, performance contracts (Imihigo) is a public commitment to achieve certain goals in any public office although it’s institutionalized at district level. District mayors and the ministers sign contracts with the president committing themselves to bring significant results in activities like construction of health care centers, roads, provision of electricity to local peoples, safe water and better performance in schools. The accountability is then given to the president and the citizens at large where after rewards are given to best performers on the annual basis. Imihigo has helped bring results through competition.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides an overview of the poverty crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa and contrasts its development challenges with the rapid progress of East Asian countries.
The Republic of Rwanda: Introduces Rwanda's geographic context and discusses its transition from the 1994 genocide towards a stable, developing state.
Governance system in Rwanda: Explores the definition and application of good governance principles, highlighting the necessity of context-specific methods for effective administration.
Home-Grown Solutions in Governance: Details specific Rwandan initiatives like Imihigo, JADF, and Itorero, showing how traditional culture integrates with modern administrative practices.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the finding that performance-oriented governance is a primary driver for poverty reduction and sustainable development in Rwanda.
Keywords
Good Governance, Poverty Eradication, Sub-Saharan Africa, Rwanda, Imihigo, Economic Development, Home-Grown Solutions, State-Building, Accountability, Performance Contracts, Reconstruction, Social Welfare, Capacity Building, Modernization, Sustainable Growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The publication focuses on the impact of good governance as a tool for eliminating poverty, using Rwanda as a primary case study to demonstrate successful development strategies.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
The work covers post-conflict reconstruction, the integration of traditional cultural values into modern administration, economic policy, and the efficacy of performance-based governance.
What is the main objective of this study?
The objective is to contribute to academic literature by examining how Rwanda achieved significant economic and social growth through specific, locally-tailored governance mechanisms.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The study utilizes a descriptive case study approach, drawing on empirical data, historical context, and international reports to analyze governance frameworks.
What content is covered in the main body?
The body analyzes the history of regional underdevelopment, compares it to the "East Asian miracle," defines the governance system in Rwanda, and details local solutions like Imihigo.
What are the key terms associated with this study?
Key terms include governance, poverty reduction, Rwanda, Imihigo, developmental state, and local knowledge (metis).
How does the concept of "metis" apply to Rwanda?
It refers to the ability of the Rwandan government to utilize local knowledge and traditional practices to formulate solutions for contemporary societal challenges.
What role does the "Imihigo" program play?
Imihigo functions as a system of performance contracts that fosters competition and accountability among public officials to deliver specific development outcomes.
Why is Rwanda considered a success story?
Rwanda is cited for its remarkable ability to overcome the economic and political devastation of the 1994 genocide through strict governance and social cohesion initiatives.
What does the author suggest for other African nations?
The author suggests that other nations should prioritize accountability, performance-driven civil service, and the adaptation of local solutions over relying solely on universal, external formulas.
- Quote paper
- Joshua Kwizera (Author), 2017, The Role Of Good Governance In Eliminating Poverty In Sub-Sahara Africa, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/364495
