ABSTRACT
Partnerships are increasingly being embraced in advanced capitalist societies as a service delivery mechanism. While not being a panacea for solving local development problems, they can be effective instruments to improve relationships among multiple stakeholders and to bring together financial support from a variety of funders to achieve common objectives. The concept implies a change in the nature of governance, not as an alternative, but rather as a complement to the efforts of elected representatives in dealing with the complex problems of urban and rural disadvantage or social exclusion. Moreover, the establishment of partnerships converges easily with political pressures for a reduction in state activity and increased responsibility at local level.
