Taxation, Responsiveness and Accountability in Sub-Saharan Africa
Cambridge University Press, 9/24/2015
EAN 9781107110861, ISBN10: 1107110866
Hardcover, 308 pages, 23.5 x 16 x 2.3 cm
Language: English
It is increasingly argued that bargaining between citizens and governments over tax collection can provide a foundation for the development of responsive and accountable governance in developing countries. However, while intuitively attractive, surprisingly little research has captured the reality and complexity of this relationship in practice. This book provides the most complete treatment of the connections between taxation and accountability in developing countries, providing both new evidence and an invaluable starting point for future research. Drawing on cross-country econometric evidence and detailed case studies from Ghana, Kenya and Ethiopia, Wilson Prichard shows that reliance on taxation has, in fact, increased responsiveness and accountability by expanding the political power wielded by taxpayers. Critically, however, processes of tax bargaining have been highly varied, frequently long term and contextually contingent. Capturing this diversity provides novel insight into politics in developing countries and how tax reform can be designed to encourage broader governance gains.
1. Introduction
taxation, responsiveness and accountability in developing countries
2. Linking taxation, responsiveness, and accountability
theoretical model and research strategy
3. Taxation, responsiveness, and accountability in Ghana, 1981–2008
4. Direct and indirect tax bargaining in Kenya, 1963–2008
5. The quiet politics of taxation in Ethiopia, 1974–2008
6. Understanding tax bargaining
complexity and contingency
7. Looking forward
broader messages, policy lessons and directions for future research
Appendix 1. List of key interviews.