Sustainable Community Development: Dilemma of Options in Kenya Dilemma of Options in Kenya

Community development has lately gained much prominence, but the emphasis has remained on the economic and social welfare of communities, rather than the environment. By focusing on 'sustainable' development in Kenya, this study shows the importance of integrating ecological concerns in socio-economic and cultural development processes. Although the theme of community development has quickly gained prominence in development studies, the emphasis has tended to be on the economic and social welfare of communities, with minimal reflection on the environmental sphere. This explains why the quality of ecosystems has generally deteriorated through the development process-thereby undermining the intended development, when viewed from a long-term perspective. By focusing on 'sustainable' community development in the Kenyan case, this book highlights the importance of integrating ecological concerns in socio-economic and cultural development processes. Although the value of communities in the development process stems from the democratic principle of 'government of the people, for the people and by the people, ' this volume introduces another overlooked component in this democratic philosophy: government 'with the people.' This underlies the authors' thesis that national development is hinged on community development, and not the other way around. This calls for a people and environment centred governance system. Further, communities should increasingly take responsibility for their destiny by holding the political leadership of the day to account on all matters development Front Matter....Pages i-xx Introduction....Pages 1-18 Development Approaches and Competing Paradigms....Pages 19-56 Entry Points for Sustainable Community Development....Pages 57-107 Roles of Strategic Stakeholders....Pages 108-127 Creating an Enabling Environment....Pages 128-140 Back to the Basics....Pages 141-147 Back Matter....Pages 148-162