Political Reforms and Local Development in the Bolivian Amazon

Abstract

Good governance has over the 1990s rapidly become one of the key terms in the international discussion on suitable development strategies for Third World countries. Because previous strategies such as the modernisation of agriculture, the promotion of industry, development of the social infrastructure, and project support to target groups did not have the desired effects, numerous development organisations have started to provide assistance to institutions involved in the planning process. However, corruption, clientelism and the inefficiency of national institutions still dramatically impact the success of such measures. This is why recently much attention has been paid to modernisation of the states themselves. Under the keyword of good governance, measures like administrative reforms and institution-building, educational and training programmes for administrative personnel, and political consulting have become an integral part of many development strategies.