Natural resource management & land tenure

Fostering responsive forms of local governance

 

The governance of natural resources and the environment influences the productivity and sustainability of most rural economic activities, food security, and livelihoods. Natural resources and ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, grazing areas and fisheries, are subject to seasonal and annual variations, which are likely to increase under the influence of climate change. Most of these natural resources are used by a range of groups, who live locally or come from elsewhere and may perceive the resources as de facto “common property”. Formally these lands tend to be held by the State as custodian.

Renewable natural resources produce ecosystem services that underpin human existence and welfare. A more productive use of natural resources contributes to increasing food security and raising incomes among the rural poor in the Sahel. The capacity of local institutions to regulate resource use may be undermined by growing pressures on natural resources, the unravelling of social capital and the lack of formal recognition.

A considerable amount of research has taken place on access, use and management of natural resources. Much attention is paid to questions of access, management and conflict. A body of literature emerged on why decentralized management of these “common lands“, combined with collective action is more efficient than centralized governance. Sustainable management of these complex ecosystems requires a holistic approach that takes into account the different perspectives of actors involved and the various functions of a resource. Such a system is likely to produce more efficient, equitable and sustainable resource use. A decentralised form of management of natural resources creates more room for adaptive and flexible decision-making that can respond fast to changes. Management decisions have to be taken locally, given the many variations in ecology and resource use across the region, the annual variations in rainfall patterns and the multiple user groups involved.

Often sophisticated but informal systems of rights and responsibilities are in place to regulate resource use and prevent conflict over resource use. These systems are locally recognised but seldom acknowledged in formal legislation. In contrast, local governments have a legal status and are part of government administration. The proliferation of local governments and their growing discretionary space and downward accountability are an opportunity for strengthening decentralised management of natural resources, land and the environment at large. In order to be effective, local governments need to reconcile legitimacy with legality, thus “going with the grain” by fostering appropriate and responsive forms of local governance. This requires collaboration with existing organisations and structures, including customary authorities.