UNCDF and UNDP support decentralisation

A US $11.4-million Local Development Fund to encourage decentralisation efforts in Mali and to expand basic services and infrastructure in poor communities has been approved by the Malian government, the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP). The project seeks to improve local health centres, schools, agricultural extension services and natural resource management, the UNDP reported on Thursday. It is also expected to help newly elected authorities acquire the skills needed to plan local development, and encourage community participation in decision-making and developement projects. Some 107 communes in Mali, home to more than 1.3 million people, are expected to benefit from the initiative, the UNDP said. At the national level the project will provide technical support to the Directorate of Local Government, the government body responsible for strengthening Mali’s decentralisation process.