This edition provides an overview of Khanya-aicdd’s approach to decentralisation. The sustainable livelihoods approach (SLA) puts people at the centre of development but also recognises the importance of transforming institutions and structures - especially the various levels of government, the private sector and other non government organisations which have a profound effect upon people’s livelihoods. Decentralising some of these elements can contribute to developing sustainable livelihoods if the process brings the management and delivery of services closer to the people and strengthens the links between government and citizens. It underlies approaches to responsive service delivery, to a development planning approach based on local planning, and to helping communities plan and manage their own development.