When the Terrain Does Not Fit the Map: Local Government Taxation in Africa

Abstract

In Africa, as elsewhere in the world, politics is decisive for change, but poorly understood, sometimes neglected and often depicted using rigid models. The new book ‘Perspectives on Politics, Production and Public Administration in Africa: Essays in Honour of Ole Therkildsen’ seeks to dig below the surface and do justice to the complexity of the politics of production and public administration in Africa.

The book is a “Festschrift” in honour of Ole Therkildsen, Emeritus Researcher at DIIS. With his delightful ability to take a critical look at conventional views, his passionate engagement in discussions of development, his satirical comments on Danish politics, and his modesty regarding his own work, Ole is a much appreciated colleague and collaborator. The essays in the book have been written by specialists in development and African politics who have all interacted with Ole as researchers or development practitioners.

The thread running through the essays is a common concern with politics, how it should be understood and how it shapes development by covering issues related to foreign aid, local government, public administration, taxation, agriculture and political systems.