The district administrator in rural development

Abstract

Although the “district administrator” was, and still is, identified under various titles, there was a common role of generalist administrative head within a spatial unit of field administration. For several decades the district administrator's authority was steadily diminished but he never completely disappeared from the scene and he is now making a strong return. The authority of the district administrator is also often augmented, and controlled, by the appointment of a political officer in the same locality. In the process he has come to need special experience in the field of development. In many countries the district administrator is supported in his development work by specialist development officers.

This article traces the changing but persistent role of the district administrator in certain former British territories in Southern, Central and East Africa. Particular reference is made to Botswana, parts of South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya.

Notes

Professor, Department of Development Administration and Politics, Unisa.