Integral local development: ''accommodating multiple interests'' through entrustment and accountable representation

Abstract

Accommodating multiple interests involves integrating across highly stratified societies. Integral local development is a means of integrating across these interests through locally accountable representative authorities entrusted with public powers. It is integral to the local community because it is based on democratic representation – where "democratic" is substantively defined as a system of public power holders who are accountable to the public. Customary authorities, NGOs, local environmental agents and ad hoc committees do not necessarily represent the public nor are they systematically accountable. This paper advances elected local government as a legitimate representative of local people in environmental and other matters.