Zhao (2009) has observed that local communities result after this process as it involves a shift of the
power and responsibilities from central government to local governments, local communities, and
the private sector. Political aspects must be regarded in the definition of these communities as many
of the development initiatives need to take place at the local level and the local government is
increasingly recognized as a new forum for bottom-up political decision-making prioritizing the
needs of local communities (Evans, 2009).