Fighting pandemics: Collaborative governance in development perspective

Abstract

As the fight against COVID-19 marked its second anniversary in March, collaboration gained attention as a tool for preparedness and response. Most collaborative models derive from industrialized countries, and coverage in outlets remains focused on the Global North. To complement existing studies, the article asks how collaboration looks like in a development setting. It analyzes the policies of Global South countries, focusing on Africa, where the pandemic is shifting. By exploring responses there and highlighting complexities that familiar governing paths struggle to resolve, it posits whether the pandemic could spur change. It concludes by discussing lessons and suggesting ways to improve collaboration.

Keywords:

• Africa
• change
• collaboration
• pandemic
• preparedness
• response

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Peter F. Haruna

Peter F. Haruna is Professor of Public Administration and Government at Texas A&M International University, Laredo Texas. His research focuses on governance, leadership, comparative administration, and public service education. His previous work has appeared in Public Administration Review, Administrative Theory & Praxis, and Journal of Public Affairs education.

Peter A. Ngwafu

Peter A. Ngwafu is Professor of Public Administration and Dean, College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies at Albany State University, Albany, Georgia. His research focuses on development, diversity, social justice, policy, and politics in transitional societies. He has contributed numerous book chapters and published several articles in professional journals.

Sombo Muzata

Sombo Muzata is Assistant Professor of Political Science at James Madison University. Her research focuses on public financial management, economic development, public administration, and nonprofit leadership and management. Her previous work has appeared in the Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting and Financial Management, and the Journal of African Business.