Nurtured from Above and Growing from the Roots: Social Funds and Decentralization in Zambia and Malawi

This paper focuses on two specific social funds, those in Zambia and Malawi, to consider the possible contribution of social funds to decentralisation of government administration. Both social funds have a strong commitment to the community signified in direct disbursement to the community. Both social funds are hesitant regarding proposed mergers with comprehensive decentralisation programs. We argue for grafting decentralisation on existing institutions for example through social funds procedures - instead of embarking on comprehensive decentralisation programs. [DSA, Annual conference 2003: Globalisation and Development]