Local powers and decentralization in Southern Mozambique : the case of the administrative post of Mocumbi

Goncalves, Euclides

Local powers and decentralization in Southern Mozambique : the case of the administrative post of Mocumbi

Master Thesis

2004

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Social Anthropology

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

This dissertation is about the emergence of old and new political actors such as régulos, returnees and NGOs in Mocumbi, Southern Mozambique and the local appropriateion of a neo-liberal democratic discourse. It explores local power dynamics in the context of post-war democratization and decentralization policies in Mozambique and provides historical evidence that suggests the centrality of family elders in local politics in Mocumbi. Due, in part, to the predominace of scattered settlements and abundance of land in this part of the country, colonial and post colonial administrative structures have respectively proved ineffective in extending Portuguese control, promoting rural development or democratising the socialist party state, instead - all external power structures have been reshaped and appropriated locally.

Description

Includes bibliographical references.

Reference:

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Masters

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