Participatory budgeting in francophone Africa

A comparative perspective between Benin and Niger

Dados Bibliográficos

ID20201461
AutoresPhilippe Jaques C Lassou (0000-0002-0408-2117, University of Guelph), Mladen Ostojic (0000-0002-9017-6311), Jacky Ulrich Barboza (0000-0002-4088-2998), Olayinka Moses (0000-0003-3884-2222, Victoria University of Wellington)
Ano2024
Volume36
Fascículo1
Páginas81-104
Data de publicação2024-01-23
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Public Budgeting Accounting & Financial Management (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1096-3367 • E-ISSN: 1945-1814
EditoraEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/jpbafm-04-2022-0070
OpenAlexW4319079462
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas3
Referências citadas37

Purpose This research aims to examine the introduction of participatory budgeting (PB) in local governments in two Francophone countries, namely, Benin and Niger, and how local contextual factors influence its practices. Design/methodology/approach The research employs a multiple case study design with a comparative approach to analyze the introduction and practices of participatory budgeting across selected municipalities in Benin and Niger. Hopper (2017) and Lassou et al .’s (2018) notion of “pragmatism” within neopatrimonialism is mobilized to analyze the data from sources including interviews and documents. The analysis is conducted at both the country and local government levels. Findings Participatory budgeting took roots in a number of municipalities. Its introduction and adoption has promoted participatory governance especially from traditionally marginalized segments of society (e.g. women); albeit to varying degrees, in the face of the prevailing national neopatrimonial context. Furthermore, despite donor's push for a standardized model of PB implementation, actual practices took varying shapes, a consequence of differing local conditions and circumstances. Research limitations/implications In terms of limitation, it was not possible to access a number of research participants sought, particularly in Niger. But access to key documents from government, donors and civil society organizations help mitigate this to a large extent. Practical implications A major practical implication is the importance of adaptation to local socio-economic contexts and circumstances. As shown in the study, a blanket introduction and implementation of PB across societies based on a standardized model is unlikely to succeed and be sustained in the long run. A great deal of flexibility is required to accommodate indigenous realities on the grounds. Originality/value The study contributes to shed light on public sector budgeting regarding participatory budgeting practices in an under-researched setting: Francophone Africa

Citizen journalism · Democracy · Economic growth · Economics · French · Geography · Local government · Local language · Participatory budgeting · Political science · Politics · Sociology · French Urban and Social Studies · Political and Social Issues · Public Administration · Social Sciences and Governance