Decentralization, institutional innovation and governance of inter-territorial relations: A view from Benin

Abstract

Given the shortcomings of decentralization in terms of the transfer of skills and resources in countries where it was introduced, innovations, especially institutional ones, can be a way out for the development of territories. Considering the relationship between urban and rural areas, we can ask ourselves how territories that seize such an opportunity can influence the course of their development. With the advances in urban-rural development, could it be possible that these innovations improve the conditions found in the countryside while strengthening those of the cities? We assume that institutional innovations based on inclusive governance promote better production of goods and services in a territory. Thanks to proximity, these institutional innovations promote economic development of several territories. In this logic, we present the case of a rural commune in southern Benin that, based on innovative inclusive governance mechanisms, has introduced other innovations as part of a project on climate change resilience. Thanks to its proximity to two urban areas, Sô-Ava has laid the foundations for its development. Through a review of literature, the article draws on the territorial innovation and proximity theories to analyse the case of Sô-Ava, highlighting innovations implemented and how they contribute to its development and beyond.