IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/p/ays/ispwps/paper2613.html

When Does Fiscal Decentralization Deliver Equity?

Author

Listed:
  • Gustavo Canavire-Bacarreza

    (World Bank, Poverty and Equity Global Practice, and Universidad Privada Boliviana)

  • Eunice Heredia-Ortiz

    (Ernst & Young, Quantitative Economics and Statistics (QUEST))

  • Jorge Martinez-Vazquez

    (International Center for Public Policy, Georgia State University)

  • Moritz Meyer

    (World Bank, Poverty and Equity Global Practice)

Abstract

Persistent spatial inequalities in living standards and development outcomes pose significant challenges to countries at all stages of development. Fiscal decentralization stands out as a policy tool that aligns local development needs with financing needs, thereby enhancing both efficiency and equity. This review critically synthesizes quantitative and qualitative literature to improve understanding of the conditions under which fiscal decentralization can foster equitable and inclusive development. It identifies measurement challenges in fiscal decentralization, highlighting global trends, and the design of equitable intergovernmental fiscal transfers. The analysis further explores the complex relationship between fiscal decentralization, income inequality, and poverty reduction, asserting that institutional quality and governance are decisive in realizing the potential benefits of fiscal decentralization. Last, the review examines the literature on the pathways by which fiscal decentralization can mitigate spatial disparities, emphasizing the importance of robust frameworks, strong administrative capacity, and effective local governance to achieve sustainable and equitable development outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Gustavo Canavire-Bacarreza & Eunice Heredia-Ortiz & Jorge Martinez-Vazquez & Moritz Meyer, 2026. "When Does Fiscal Decentralization Deliver Equity?," International Center for Public Policy Working Paper Series, at AYSPS, GSU paper2613, International Center for Public Policy, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.
    • Handle: RePEc:ays:ispwps:paper2613
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://ayspsrd.gsu.edu/ays/ispwps/paper2613.pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Cecile Gaubert & Patrick Kline & Damian Vergara & Danny Yagan, 2025. "Place-Based Redistribution," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 115(10), pages 3415-3450, October.
    2. Emilie Caldeira & Martial Foucault & Gregoire Rota-Graziosi, 2015. "Decentralization in Africa and the nature of local governments’ competition: evidence from Benin," International Tax and Public Finance, Springer;International Institute of Public Finance, vol. 22(6), pages 1048-1076, December.
    3. Kharel, Raj & Rodríguez-Pose, Andrés, 2025. "Devolution and economic resilience in Nepal," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 195(C).
    4. Luis Ayala & Javier Martín‐Román & Juan Vicente, 2020. "The contribution of the spatial dimension to inequality: A counterfactual analysis for OECD countries," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 99(3), pages 447-477, June.
    5. Pranab Bardhan & Dilip Mookherjee (ed.), 2006. "Decentralization and Local Governance in Developing Countries: A Comparative Perspective," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262524546, December.
    6. Sugiyarto, Ardi & Lee, Boon L. & Wilson, Clevo, 2025. "Narrowing the gap: Dynamics of Indonesia's public expenditure performance in economically lagging districts," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 2299-2318.
    7. Mr. John Norregaard, 2013. "Taxing Immovable Property Revenue Potential and Implementation Challenges," IMF Working Papers 2013/129, International Monetary Fund.
    8. Robert J. Barro & Xavier Sala-i-Martin, 1991. "Convergence across States and Regions," Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Economic Studies Program, The Brookings Institution, vol. 22(1), pages 107-182.
    9. Hui Jin & Mihajlo Jakovljevic, 2023. "Fiscal Decentralization and the Human Development Index: A Cross-Border Empirical Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-16, May.
    10. Pauly, Mark V., 1973. "Income redistribution as a local public good," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 2(1), pages 35-58, February.
    11. Martinez-Vazquez, Jorge & McNab, Robert M., 2003. "Fiscal Decentralization and Economic Growth," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 31(9), pages 1597-1616, September.
    12. Yingyi Qian & Barry R. Weingast, 1997. "Federalism as a Commitment to Reserving Market Incentives," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 11(4), pages 83-92, Fall.
    13. Shenoy, Ajay, 2018. "Regional development through place-based policies: Evidence from a spatial discontinuity," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 173-189.
    14. David Bartolini & Sibylle Stossberg & Hansjörg Blöchliger, 2016. "Fiscal Decentralisation and Regional Disparities," OECD Economics Department Working Papers 1330, OECD Publishing.
    15. Albert Alesina & Stephan Danninger & Massimo Rostagno, 2001. "Redistribution Through Public Employment: The Case of Italy," IMF Staff Papers, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 48(3), pages 1-2.
    16. Oates, Wallace E. & Schwab, Robert M., 1988. "Economic competition among jurisdictions: efficiency enhancing or distortion inducing?," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 35(3), pages 333-354, April.
    17. Manuel E. Lago & Santiago Lago-Peñas & Jorge Martinez-Vazquez, 2024. "On the effects of intergovernmental grants: a survey," International Tax and Public Finance, Springer;International Institute of Public Finance, vol. 31(3), pages 856-908, June.
    18. Syahrituah Siregar, 2025. "Estimation of the Effect of Carbon Tax Implementation on Household Income Distribution in Indonesia: Quantitative Analysis with Miyazawa Input- Output Approach," Papers 2501.08177, arXiv.org.
    19. Richard M. Bird & Enid Slack, 2013. "Local Taxes and Local Expenditures: Strengthening the Wicksellian Connection," International Center for Public Policy Working Paper Series, at AYSPS, GSU paper1323, International Center for Public Policy, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.
    20. Oates, Wallace E., 1993. "Fiscal Decentralization and Economic Development," National Tax Journal, National Tax Association, vol. 46(2), pages 237-43, June.
    21. Anwar Shah, 2014. "Fiscal federalism and macroeconomic governance : for better or for worse?," Annals of Economics and Finance, Society for AEF, vol. 15(1), pages 200-240, May.
    22. Francois Vaillancourt, 2025. "Rethinking the Assignment of Expenditures and Regulatory Responsibilities," International Center for Public Policy Working Paper Series, at AYSPS, GSU paper2508, International Center for Public Policy, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.
    23. Kshitiz Shrestha & Charles Hankla, 2025. "Decentralization in Theory and Practice: A Comprehensive Review," International Center for Public Policy Working Paper Series, at AYSPS, GSU paper2511, International Center for Public Policy, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.
    24. Faguet, Jean-Paul, 2004. "Does decentralization increase government responsiveness to local needs?: Evidence from Bolivia," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 88(3-4), pages 867-893, March.
    25. Moussé Sow & Mr. Ivohasina F Razafimahefa, 2017. "Fiscal Decentralization and Fiscal Policy Performance," IMF Working Papers 2017/064, International Monetary Fund.
    26. Lars P. Feld & Gebhard Kirchgässner & Christoph A. Schaltegger, 2010. "Decentralized Taxation and the Size of Government: Evidence from Swiss State and Local Governments," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 77(1), pages 27-48, July.
    27. Cristian F Sepulveda & Jorge Martinez-Vazquez, 2011. "The Consequences of Fiscal Decentralization on Poverty and Income Equality," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 29(2), pages 321-343, April.
    28. Christian Lessmann, 2009. "Fiscal Decentralization and Regional Disparity: Evidence from Cross-Section and Panel Data," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 41(10), pages 2455-2473, October.
    29. Wallace E. Oates & Wallace E. Oates, 2004. "Fiscal Decentralization and Economic Development," Chapters, in: Environmental Policy and Fiscal Federalism, chapter 21, pages 377-383, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    30. Javier Martín-Román & Luis Ayala & Juan Vicente, 2017. "Regional inequality in decentralized countries: a multi-country analysis using LIS," LIS Working papers 697, LIS Cross-National Data Center in Luxembourg.
    31. Pablo D. Fajgelbaum & Cecile Gaubert, 2025. "Place-Based Policies: Lessons from Theory," NBER Working Papers 33517, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    32. McKinnon, Ronald I., 1995. "Intergovernmental competition in Europe with and without a common currency," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 17(5), pages 463-478, October.
    33. Ryota Nakatani & Qianqian Zhang & Isaura Garcia Valdes, 2022. "Fiscal Decentralization Improves Social Outcomes When Countries Have Good Governance," IMF Working Papers 2022/111, International Monetary Fund.
    34. Hyojung Kang & Kshitiz Shrestha & Jorge Martinez-Vazquez, 2026. "When Does Fiscal Decentralization Lead to Inclusive Growth?," International Center for Public Policy Working Paper Series, at AYSPS, GSU paper2611, International Center for Public Policy, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.
    35. Kumba Digdowiseiso & Syed M. Murshed & Sylvia I. Bergh, 2022. "How Effective Is Fiscal Decentralization for Inequality Reduction in Developing Countries?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-19, January.
    36. World Bank, 2009. "Geography in Motion: World Development Report 2009 (excerpt)," Transnational Corporations Review, Ottawa United Learning Academy, vol. 1(3), pages 40-46, September.
    37. Pablo Fajgelbaum & Cecile Gaubert, 2025. "Place-Based Policies: Lessons from Theory," NBER Chapters, in: The Economics of Place-Based Policies, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    38. Treisman, Daniel, 2000. "Decentralization and Inflation: Commitment, Collective Action, or Continuity?," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 94(4), pages 837-857, December.
    39. repec:bla:devpol:v:28:y:2010:i:3:p:259-293 is not listed on IDEAS
    40. Chernick, Howard, 2005. "On the Determinants of Subnational Tax Progressivity in the U.S," National Tax Journal, National Tax Association;National Tax Journal, vol. 58(1), pages 93-112, March.
    41. F. Javier Arze del Granado & Jorge Martinez-Vazquez & Robert McNab, 2005. "Fiscal Decentralization and The Functional Composition of Public Expenditures (2005)," International Center for Public Policy Working Paper Series, at AYSPS, GSU paper0501, International Center for Public Policy, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.
    42. Martinez-Vazquez, Jorge, 1982. "Fiscal Incidence at the Local Level," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 50(5), pages 1207-1218, September.
    43. Andrés Rodríguez-Pose & Roberto Ezcurra, 2010. "Does decentralization matter for regional disparities? A cross-country analysis," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 10(5), pages 619-644, September.
    44. Phuong Duy Nguyen & Duc Hong Vo & Chi Minh Ho & Anh The Vo, 2019. "Fiscal Decentralisation and Economic Growth across Provinces: New Evidence from Vietnam Using a Novel Measurement and Approach," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-13, September.
    45. Jin Hui & Jorge Martinez-Vazquez, 2021. "Sustainable Development and the Optimal Level of Fiscal Expenditure Decentralization," International Center for Public Policy Working Paper Series, at AYSPS, GSU paper2103, International Center for Public Policy, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.
    46. repec:aer:wpaper:254 is not listed on IDEAS
    47. Fabrizio Barca & Philip McCann & Andrés Rodríguez‐Pose, 2012. "The Case For Regional Development Intervention: Place‐Based Versus Place‐Neutral Approaches," Journal of Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(1), pages 134-152, February.
    48. Galiani, Sebastian & Gertler, Paul & Schargrodsky, Ernesto, 2008. "School decentralization: Helping the good get better, but leaving the poor behind," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 92(10-11), pages 2106-2120, October.
    49. World Bank, 2009. "World Development Report 2009," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 5991, April.
    50. Bernardo Alves Furtado, 2018. "Modeling tax distribution in metropolitan regions with PolicySpace," Papers 1901.02391, arXiv.org.
    51. Andreas P. Kyriacou & Leonel Muinelo-Gallo & Oriol Roca-Sagalés, 2015. "Fiscal decentralization and regional disparities: The importance of good governance," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 94(1), pages 89-107, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Hyojung Kang & Kshitiz Shrestha & Jorge Martinez-Vazquez, 2026. "When Does Fiscal Decentralization Lead to Inclusive Growth?," International Center for Public Policy Working Paper Series, at AYSPS, GSU paper2611, International Center for Public Policy, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.
    2. Sidra Naeem & Rana Ejaz Ali Khan, 2021. "Fiscal Decentralization and Gender Equality in Developing Economies: Dynamics of Income Groups in Economies and Corruption," Asian Economic and Financial Review, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 11(9), pages 745-761, September.
    3. Jorge Martinez-Vazquez & Santiago Lago-Peñas & Agnese Sacchi, 2017. "The Impact Of Fiscal Decentralization: A Survey," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(4), pages 1095-1129, September.
    4. Reingewertz, Yaniv, 2014. "Fiscal Decentralization - a Survey of the Empirical Literature," MPRA Paper 59889, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Łukasz Piętak, 2022. "Regional disparities, transmission channels and country's economic growth," Journal of Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 62(1), pages 270-306, January.
    6. repec:pra:mprapa:120847 is not listed on IDEAS
    7. Siburian, Matondang Elsa, 2022. "The link between fiscal decentralization and poverty – Evidence from Indonesia," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    8. Christian Lessmann, 2012. "Regional Inequality and Decentralization: An Empirical Analysis," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 44(6), pages 1363-1388, June.
    9. Tristan Canare, 2022. "Decentralization and welfare: Evidence from a panel of countries," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 93(3), pages 767-796, September.
    10. Qurat ul Ain & Yan Jie & Larisa Ivașcu & Syed Ghulam Meran Shah & Tahir Yousaf, 2023. "Whether rising tide has lifted all the boats? Effect of inter‐governmental transfers on household income inequality in Pakistan," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(1), pages 430-447, January.
    11. Tiangboho Sanogo, 2019. "Does fiscal decentralization enhance citizens’ access to public services and reduce poverty? Evidence from Côte d’Ivoire municipalities in a conflict setting," Post-Print hal-01875189, HAL.
    12. Nupur Nirola & Sohini Sahu & Atrayee Choudhury, 2022. "Fiscal decentralization, regional disparity, and the role of corruption," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 68(3), pages 757-787, June.
    13. Christian Lessmann, 2012. "Regional inequality and decentralization: an empirical analysis," Environment and Planning A, Pion Ltd, London, vol. 44(6), pages 1363-1388, June.
    14. Sanogo, Tiangboho, 2019. "Does fiscal decentralization enhance citizens’ access to public services and reduce poverty? Evidence from Côte d’Ivoire municipalities in a conflict setting," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 204-221.
    15. Tristan Canare & Jamil Paolo Francisco & Rose Ann Camille Caliso, 2020. "Decentralization and Income Inequality in a Panel and Cross‐Section of Countries," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(4), pages 543-579, May.
    16. Umaima Arif & Eatzaz Ahmad, 2018. "A Framework For Analyzing The Impact Of Fiscal Decentralization On Macroeconomic Performance, Governance And Economic Growth," The Singapore Economic Review (SER), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 65(01), pages 3-39, May.
    17. Andrés Rodríguez-Pose & Callum Wilkie, 2018. "Strategies of gain and strategies of waste: What determines the success of development intervention?," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 1826, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Jul 2018.
    18. Tarkan Cavusoglu & Oguzhan Dincer, 2015. "Does decentralization reduce income inequality? Only in rich states," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 82(1), pages 285-306, July.
    19. Andrés Rodríguez-Pose & Roberto Ezcurra, 2010. "Does decentralization matter for regional disparities? A cross-country analysis," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 10(5), pages 619-644, September.
    20. Floriana Cerniglia & Riccarda Longaretti, 2013. "Federalism, education-related public good and growth when agents are heterogeneous," Journal of Economics, Springer, vol. 109(3), pages 271-301, July.
    21. Andreas P. Kyriacou & Leonel Muinelo-Gallo & Oriol Roca-Sagalés, 2015. "Regional inequalities, fiscal decentralization and government quality: empirical evidence from simultaneous equations," Working Papers. Collection A: Public economics, governance and decentralization 1501, Universidade de Vigo, GEN - Governance and Economics research Network.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:ays:ispwps:paper2613. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Paul Benson (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://edirc.repec.org/data/ispgsus.html .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.