The severe economic crisis of the 1980s and 90s caused a marked deterioriation of Cameroon’s social infrastructure and the erosion of public services, especially in rural areas. Options to drive ahead with development at local level are limited for a number of reasons, including a centralised political system, a weak civil society and weak governance structures. Activities in the priority area “Decentralisation, participatory development and governance” are closely aligned with the Cameroonian Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and other relevant national programmes.

The aim is to advise central government bodies in shaping decentralisation, PRSP implementation and participatory development policies. GTZ also supports civil society actors in the field of local development, decentralisation and PRSP implementation and monitoring.