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The perils of polycentric governance of infectious disease in South Africa

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  • Lieberman, Evan S.

Abstract

In much of the developing world, a model of polycentric governance has become increasingly prevalent for the control of health and infectious disease - one in which a panoply of governance actors work concurrently on the same development projects, within the same localities. And yet, the question of whether polycentrism helps or hinders disease control/mitigation, or service provision more generally, has not been sufficiently studied. This article details findings from an exploratory case study of the polycentric governance of infectious disease in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Combining analyses of an original survey of local councilors, structured interviews with relevant actors in four municipalities, and a national survey of South African citizens, the study finds a high degree of polycentric governance, and highlights associated accountability gaps and a series of constraints on effective service delivery. It concludes by identifying promising directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Lieberman, Evan S., 2011. "The perils of polycentric governance of infectious disease in South Africa," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 73(5), pages 676-684, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:73:y:2011:i:5:p:676-684
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Galaz, Victor & Crona, Beatrice & Österblom, Henrik & Olsson, Per & Folke, Carl, 2012. "Polycentric systems and interacting planetary boundaries — Emerging governance of climate change–ocean acidification–marine biodiversity," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 21-32.
    2. Ibnu Budiman & Mattijs Smits, 2020. "How Do Configuration Shifts in Fragmented Energy Governance Affect Policy Output? A Case Study of Changing Biogas Regimes in Indonesia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-23, February.
    3. McMurry, Nina, 2022. "From Recognition to Integration: Indigenous Autonomy, State Authority, and National Identity in the Philippines," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 116(2), pages 547-563.

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