Co-production in local government: case studies in improving local livelihoods in Kuching, Sarawak

Local government is often constrained by limited financial and human capital resources, especially in developing countries. As a result, co-production in local government has become an increasingly important means of economising on the costs of local service provision. Using three case studies of local co-production undertaken by the Padawan Municipal Council and various community groups from 2017 to 2020, we examine how co-production programs have improved livelihoods in the suburban areas of Kuching, Sarawak. Our results show that there was a high level of cooperation between local authorities and local communities that facilitated successful co-production programs based on their individual and institutional comparative advantage. Although the co-production programs faced human and financial constraints and capacity limitations on public participation, their positive impacts were significant, matched citizens' needs and improved local wellbeing. Thus, public policy should seek to foster co-production at the local level and stimulate the participation of community groups in the formulation and implementation of co-production programs.