Joining the co-editors and authors for the launch on November 11 were academics, social commentators and media, as well as Vice Chancellor of the University of Malawi, Prof. John Saka and Principal of Chancellor College, Prof. Richard Tambulasi. The Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi, Mr. Kikkan Haugen, also attended, and emphasized in his introductory remarks the potential of the book in having a real impact on development in Malawi
The Democratic Dividend
During the launch, authors presented selected chapters from the book, which explores how, and to what extent, processes related to democratic and economic governance can be strengthened in order to make political and administrative authorities more responsive to development needs. The book also considers characteristics of successful implementation of public policy and the effective and timely delivery of basic services in local contexts; increased citizen participation and dialogue with local government authorities; factors that enable civil society organisations to hold political and administrative officials to account; and better utilisation of academic research for improved evidence-based policy formulation and implementation.
This volume, published by international publisher Routledge, will be of great interest to scholars in development studies, African studies, politics, law and anthropology, as well as policymakers and those interested in democracy, governance, human rights and the implementation of anti-poverty programmes, development administration and decentralisation.
Following the launch, The Nation Malawi interviewed co-editor Blessings Chinsinga about the book and it's implications for Malawi. Full interview can be found here.
