Legal and Institutional Framework for Empowerment of Rural Communities in the Kyrgyz Republic : 9783825818531 : 3825818535 : This research assessed whether democratic decentralisation in Kyrgyzstan has empowered rural communities and also focused on self-organisation efforts that evolved in rural communities after independence. Seven case study villages were studied and interviews with key informers were conducted, including members of local governance bodies, organisations introduced by development agencies, and organisations existing since Soviet times. A literature review and an analysis of the Kyrgyz legislation and government policies were carried out. A model was developed adapting criteria for effectiveness of organisations to assess existing Kyrgyz rural organisations and institutions.