Jean-Pierre Olivier de Sardan Livres

The book explores the disconnect between planning and execution in public policies and development projects, particularly in Africa. It highlights the critical role local actors play in navigating and often circumventing standardized policies that fail to account for diverse contexts. By examining the tension between official directives and the "practical norms" adopted by these actors, the author reveals how governance modes delivering essential services face substantial challenges in aligning explicit rules with everyday practices.