Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM)
| 'Breaking new ground' - Approaches to people-centred natural resource management for development in southern Africa | |
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This programme was implemented in 2003 to facilitate research analysis and networking in order to contribute to the enhancement and sustainability of rural livelihoods as a means to reduce poverty in southern Africa. This has been achieved by promoting, and engaging communities and decision makers to have a deeper understanding of how natural resources can be used and managed sustainably to enhance rural livelihoods, and advocating a people-centred approach to development and biodiversity conservation. Thus, two activities were undertaken to achieve these objectives; research on the one hand and then networking through communication on the other. Sixteen papers were produced under the programme including two that were produced by programme staff. Two more papers are still being finalised. Three out of the four themes that the programme intended to address were covered by the programme’s commissioned papers. Two Policy Briefs have been produced and five others are currently being prepared. Six sets of materials were posted on the internet for debate and discussion to a database that had over 400 people from the region. Three workshops were held over the duration of the programme, each with different intentions linked to the stage of development. All three produced positive outcomes and resulted in intensive networking opportunities for the programme and participants within the region. Finally, two networking grants were issued to two authors to facilitate them to acquire materials for cross-country comparisons in preparing their commissioned papers under the research component. |
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| Ideology, practice and power: Linking land reform, conservation and democratisation in southern Africa | |
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Plaas: ACACIA:
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Project Partner: Arid Climate,
Adaptation and Cultural Innovation in Africa, University of Koln.
(ACACIA) Project Funder: German Research Council This project aims to analyse the linkages between global factors and local interpretations and social practices or processes and consequences of land reform, democratisation and nature conservation in southern Africa. It seeks to throw light on the underlying dynamics and the changing nature of power and authority over resources in arid lands. Two project researchers, supported by the directors of ACACIA and PLAAS, work on this collaborative effort. The PLAAS-based researcher, Webster Whande, is registered for doctoral studies in Land and Agrarian Studies. Dr Susanne Berzborn, the ACACIA-based researcher, is a post-doctoral research fellow. |
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| MAPOSDA: Management and policy options for the sustainable development of communal rangelands and their communities in southern Africa | |
| This three and a half year project, funded by the European Commission, began in January 2002 with the objective of identifying appropriate natural resource management systems, alternative livelihood strategies and income sources, and viable policy options to improve the welfare of rural communities and the sustainable use of their rangelands in three southern African countries. | |
Labour in Large Scale Agriculture in Africa and Southeast Asia