Mr Felix Conteh
MA International Development Management, University of Bradford (Distinction); BA General, History and Sociology- University of Sierra Leone
Overview
- Name:
- Mr Felix Conteh
- Email address:
- f_conteh@soas.ac.uk
- Thesis title:
- Governance Reforms in Sierra Leone: An Analysis of the Conception, Design and implementation of the Decentralization programme and its Impacts 2004-2011: A Political Economy Approach
- Year of Study:
- 2
Internal Supervisors
Biography
Felix Conteh is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Politics and International Studies at SOAS, University of London. His PhD analyses the origins, motives and implementation of Sierra Leone’s decentralization programme, and its impacts. Felix has worked for Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission, where he served as Regional Manager until August 2010.
PhD Research
The dominant literature on decentralization in the developing world, focuses on the normative arguments that justify or critique the policy, especially in relation to efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery and its potential to embedding “democracy”. However, little research has been conducted on the political economy front, to unearth the underlining and often, very influential factors that remotely drive such programmes.
My research therefore, attempts to explore the motivations of the various actors (Political elite; donors, political parties, civil society and local politicians etc.), in pushing forward the decentralization agenda in Sierra Leone. Given that power wielders seldom concede grounds to their opponents, the research investigates the incentives which may have influenced the various actors to decentralize or support a process, which seemingly curtails power and disperse it.
The study also investigates the extent to which decentralization may or may not have altered the political landscape, leading to effective, accountable and strong local government, capable of opening up spaces for citizens’ participation in politics, planning and development.
PhD Affiliations
Member, Freedom of Information Coalition (FOI) , Sierra Leone
Research
Governance: Decentralization; Corruption and International Development
