This book attempts to highlight the parallel authority existing between formal/local government and informal/traditional institutions and how these institutions can be integrated to enhance decision making and achieve local sustainable development. The central claim of this book is that the grandiose self-seeking interest will be minimized for the greater societal interest if both institutions were integrated rather than their current state. This book should therefore be of interest to development practitioners, legal experts, social and political scientist, and any other person interest in local government and governance.

James Natia Adam is a development sociologist and an independent consultant. He holds MPhil in Peace and Development Studies, MPhil. in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, and BA in Integrated Development Studies. His research interests include local government, decentralization, climate change and rural development.