Governance in Community-based Forest Management: The Case of Madagascar

Governance in Community-based Forest Management: The Case of Madagascar

Author: Daniela Beth Raik

Publisher:

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13: 9780549969808

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Decentralization of forest management aims to empower local communities. Intentions notwithstanding, decentralization is a historically-contingent process that does not necessarily result in synergistic state-community relationships. Decentralizing governance structures implies changes in power relationships, but an understanding of power and its dynamics in forest management situations is lacking. In addition, governance outcomes of decentralized forest management in a state-community institutional configuration are unclear. Understanding how instances of decentralized community-based forest management (CBFM) operate and how participants perceive the governance outcomes of this system is needed to improve governance structures and processes. The case of CBFM in Madagascar is used to explore the power dynamics of decentralized governance of forests. In Madagascar, the government has adopted a policy known as Contractual Forest Management to achieve community-based forest management. Data collection took place in two phases. To understand forest-related interests, I conducted semi-structured, open-ended interviews of community members in eight villages in the Menabe region, state forest agents at the local and national level, and participating NGO staff from two NGOs at the local and national level in Menabe and Antananarivo, Madagascar (n=55). I also conducted participant-observation and document review. The second phase involved a quantitative survey of participants in 12 CBFM contracts in Madagascar (n=621). Findings suggest that all three categories of actors (i.e., community members, forest agency staff, and NGO employees) are generally satisfied with governance outcomes of CBFM, with forest agency staff the least satisfied. Overall, decentralization of forest management in Madagascar has had a more tangible effect on institutional-level relationships than on individual-level capacity to act. It has not "empowered" local communities. Rather, it begins to open a space in which individuals, located in various social positions, can act to transform pre-existing power relations.


Book Synopsis Governance in Community-based Forest Management: The Case of Madagascar by : Daniela Beth Raik

Download or read book Governance in Community-based Forest Management: The Case of Madagascar written by Daniela Beth Raik and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Decentralization of forest management aims to empower local communities. Intentions notwithstanding, decentralization is a historically-contingent process that does not necessarily result in synergistic state-community relationships. Decentralizing governance structures implies changes in power relationships, but an understanding of power and its dynamics in forest management situations is lacking. In addition, governance outcomes of decentralized forest management in a state-community institutional configuration are unclear. Understanding how instances of decentralized community-based forest management (CBFM) operate and how participants perceive the governance outcomes of this system is needed to improve governance structures and processes. The case of CBFM in Madagascar is used to explore the power dynamics of decentralized governance of forests. In Madagascar, the government has adopted a policy known as Contractual Forest Management to achieve community-based forest management. Data collection took place in two phases. To understand forest-related interests, I conducted semi-structured, open-ended interviews of community members in eight villages in the Menabe region, state forest agents at the local and national level, and participating NGO staff from two NGOs at the local and national level in Menabe and Antananarivo, Madagascar (n=55). I also conducted participant-observation and document review. The second phase involved a quantitative survey of participants in 12 CBFM contracts in Madagascar (n=621). Findings suggest that all three categories of actors (i.e., community members, forest agency staff, and NGO employees) are generally satisfied with governance outcomes of CBFM, with forest agency staff the least satisfied. Overall, decentralization of forest management in Madagascar has had a more tangible effect on institutional-level relationships than on individual-level capacity to act. It has not "empowered" local communities. Rather, it begins to open a space in which individuals, located in various social positions, can act to transform pre-existing power relations.

Conservation and Environmental Management in Madagascar

Conservation and Environmental Management in Madagascar

Author: Ivan R. Scales

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2014-03-14

Total Pages: 431

ISBN-13: 1136309071

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Madagascar is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet, the result of 160 million years of isolation from the African mainland. More than 80% of its species are not found anywhere else on Earth. However, this highly diverse flora and fauna is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, and the island has been classified as one of the world’s highest conservation priorities. Drawing on insights from geography, anthropology, sustainable development, political science and ecology, this book provides a comprehensive assessment of the status of conservation and environmental management in Madagascar. It describes how conservation organisations have been experimenting with new forms of protected areas, community-based resource management, ecotourism, and payments for ecosystem services. But the country must also deal with pressing human needs. The problems of poverty, development, environmental justice, natural resource use and biodiversity conservation are shown to be interlinked in complex ways. Authors address key questions, such as who are the winners and losers in attempts to conserve biodiversity? And what are the implications of new forms of conservation for rural livelihoods and environmental justice?


Book Synopsis Conservation and Environmental Management in Madagascar by : Ivan R. Scales

Download or read book Conservation and Environmental Management in Madagascar written by Ivan R. Scales and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2014-03-14 with total page 431 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Madagascar is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet, the result of 160 million years of isolation from the African mainland. More than 80% of its species are not found anywhere else on Earth. However, this highly diverse flora and fauna is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, and the island has been classified as one of the world’s highest conservation priorities. Drawing on insights from geography, anthropology, sustainable development, political science and ecology, this book provides a comprehensive assessment of the status of conservation and environmental management in Madagascar. It describes how conservation organisations have been experimenting with new forms of protected areas, community-based resource management, ecotourism, and payments for ecosystem services. But the country must also deal with pressing human needs. The problems of poverty, development, environmental justice, natural resource use and biodiversity conservation are shown to be interlinked in complex ways. Authors address key questions, such as who are the winners and losers in attempts to conserve biodiversity? And what are the implications of new forms of conservation for rural livelihoods and environmental justice?

REDD, Forest Governance and Rural Livelihoods

REDD, Forest Governance and Rural Livelihoods

Author: Oliver Springate-Baginski

Publisher: CIFOR

Published: 2010-01-01

Total Pages: 289

ISBN-13: 6028693154

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Experiences from incentive-based forest management are examined for their effects on the livelihoods of local communities. In the second section, country case studies provide a snapshot of REDD developments to date and identify design features for REDD that would support benefits for forest communities.


Book Synopsis REDD, Forest Governance and Rural Livelihoods by : Oliver Springate-Baginski

Download or read book REDD, Forest Governance and Rural Livelihoods written by Oliver Springate-Baginski and published by CIFOR. This book was released on 2010-01-01 with total page 289 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Experiences from incentive-based forest management are examined for their effects on the livelihoods of local communities. In the second section, country case studies provide a snapshot of REDD developments to date and identify design features for REDD that would support benefits for forest communities.

Governing Africa's Forests in a Globalized World

Governing Africa's Forests in a Globalized World

Author: Laura Anne German

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2009-12-01

Total Pages: 435

ISBN-13: 1136545514

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Many countries around the world are engaged in decentralization processes, and most African countries face serious problems with forest governance, from benefits sharing to illegality and sustainable forest management. This book summarizes experiences to date on the extent and nature of decentralization and its outcomes - most of which suggest an underperformance of governance reforms - and explores the viability of different governance instruments in the context of weak governance and expanding commercial pressures over forests. Findings are grouped into two thematic areas: decentralization, livelihoods and sustainable forest management; and international trade, finance and forest sector governance reforms. The authors examine diverse forces shaping the forest sector, including the theory and practice of decentralization, usurpation of authority, corruption and illegality, inequitable patterns of benefits capture and expansion of international trade in timber and carbon credits, and discuss related outcomes on livelihoods, forest condition and equity. The book builds on earlier volumes exploring different dimensions of decentralization and perspectives from other world regions, and distills dimensions of forest governance that are both unique to Africa and representative of broader global patterns. The authors ground their analysis in relevant theory while drawing out implications of their findings for policy and practice.


Book Synopsis Governing Africa's Forests in a Globalized World by : Laura Anne German

Download or read book Governing Africa's Forests in a Globalized World written by Laura Anne German and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2009-12-01 with total page 435 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many countries around the world are engaged in decentralization processes, and most African countries face serious problems with forest governance, from benefits sharing to illegality and sustainable forest management. This book summarizes experiences to date on the extent and nature of decentralization and its outcomes - most of which suggest an underperformance of governance reforms - and explores the viability of different governance instruments in the context of weak governance and expanding commercial pressures over forests. Findings are grouped into two thematic areas: decentralization, livelihoods and sustainable forest management; and international trade, finance and forest sector governance reforms. The authors examine diverse forces shaping the forest sector, including the theory and practice of decentralization, usurpation of authority, corruption and illegality, inequitable patterns of benefits capture and expansion of international trade in timber and carbon credits, and discuss related outcomes on livelihoods, forest condition and equity. The book builds on earlier volumes exploring different dimensions of decentralization and perspectives from other world regions, and distills dimensions of forest governance that are both unique to Africa and representative of broader global patterns. The authors ground their analysis in relevant theory while drawing out implications of their findings for policy and practice.

Collaborative Governance of Tropical Landscapes

Collaborative Governance of Tropical Landscapes

Author: Carol J Pierce Colfer

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2012-07-26

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 1136537953

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This book provides a novel approach to governance relating to biodiversity and human well-being in complex tropical landscapes, including forests and protected areas. It focuses attention at the interface between communities and the landscape level, building on interdisciplinary research conducted in five countries (Cameroon, Indonesia, Laos, Madagascar and Tanzania). In each country, the research was set within the framework of a major national policy thrust. The book improves our understanding of and ability to manage complex landscapes---mosaics of differing land uses---in a more adaptive and collaborative way that benefits both the environment and local communities. It includes both single country and cross-site analyses, and focuses on themes, such as resettlement, land use planning, non-timber forest product use and management, the disconnect between customary and formal legal systems, and the role of larger scale policies in local level realities. Chapters also analyze experience with monitoring and a local governance assessment tool. The work also provides guidance for those interested in management and governance at lower and intermediate levels (village, district), scales likely to grow in importance in the global effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change.


Book Synopsis Collaborative Governance of Tropical Landscapes by : Carol J Pierce Colfer

Download or read book Collaborative Governance of Tropical Landscapes written by Carol J Pierce Colfer and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012-07-26 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a novel approach to governance relating to biodiversity and human well-being in complex tropical landscapes, including forests and protected areas. It focuses attention at the interface between communities and the landscape level, building on interdisciplinary research conducted in five countries (Cameroon, Indonesia, Laos, Madagascar and Tanzania). In each country, the research was set within the framework of a major national policy thrust. The book improves our understanding of and ability to manage complex landscapes---mosaics of differing land uses---in a more adaptive and collaborative way that benefits both the environment and local communities. It includes both single country and cross-site analyses, and focuses on themes, such as resettlement, land use planning, non-timber forest product use and management, the disconnect between customary and formal legal systems, and the role of larger scale policies in local level realities. Chapters also analyze experience with monitoring and a local governance assessment tool. The work also provides guidance for those interested in management and governance at lower and intermediate levels (village, district), scales likely to grow in importance in the global effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The Natural History of Madagascar

The Natural History of Madagascar

Author: Steven M. Goodman

Publisher:

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780226303079

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Separated from the mainland of Africa for 160 million years, Madagascar has evolved an incredible wealth of biodiversity, with thousands of species that can be found nowhere else on earth. For instance, of its estimated 12,000 plant species, nearly 10,000 are unique to Madagascar. Malagasy animals are just as spectacular, from its almost forty currently recognized species of lemurs—a primate group found only here—to the numerous species of tiny dwarf chameleons. With astounding frequency scientists discover a previously unknown species in Madagascar—and at almost the same rate another natural area of habitat is degraded or destroyed, a combination that recently led conservation organizations to name Madagascar one of the most important and threatened conservation priorities on the planet. The Natural History of Madagascar provides the most comprehensive, up-to-date synthesis available of this island nation's priceless biological treasures. Contributions by nearly three hundred world-renowned experts cover the history of scientific exploration in Madagascar, its geology and soils, climate, forest ecology, human ecology, marine and coastal ecosystems, plants, invertebrates, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Detailed discussions of conservation efforts in Madagascar highlight several successful park reserve programs that could serve as models for other areas. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the book includes over one hundred color illustrations, with fifty color photos by nature photographer Harald Schütz, as well as more than three hundred black-and-white photographs and line drawings. The Natural History of Madagascar will be the invaluable reference for anyone interested in the Malagasy environment, from biologists and conservationists to policymakers and ecotourists.


Book Synopsis The Natural History of Madagascar by : Steven M. Goodman

Download or read book The Natural History of Madagascar written by Steven M. Goodman and published by . This book was released on 2003 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Separated from the mainland of Africa for 160 million years, Madagascar has evolved an incredible wealth of biodiversity, with thousands of species that can be found nowhere else on earth. For instance, of its estimated 12,000 plant species, nearly 10,000 are unique to Madagascar. Malagasy animals are just as spectacular, from its almost forty currently recognized species of lemurs—a primate group found only here—to the numerous species of tiny dwarf chameleons. With astounding frequency scientists discover a previously unknown species in Madagascar—and at almost the same rate another natural area of habitat is degraded or destroyed, a combination that recently led conservation organizations to name Madagascar one of the most important and threatened conservation priorities on the planet. The Natural History of Madagascar provides the most comprehensive, up-to-date synthesis available of this island nation's priceless biological treasures. Contributions by nearly three hundred world-renowned experts cover the history of scientific exploration in Madagascar, its geology and soils, climate, forest ecology, human ecology, marine and coastal ecosystems, plants, invertebrates, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Detailed discussions of conservation efforts in Madagascar highlight several successful park reserve programs that could serve as models for other areas. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the book includes over one hundred color illustrations, with fifty color photos by nature photographer Harald Schütz, as well as more than three hundred black-and-white photographs and line drawings. The Natural History of Madagascar will be the invaluable reference for anyone interested in the Malagasy environment, from biologists and conservationists to policymakers and ecotourists.

Guidelines for Institutionalizing and Implementing Community-based Forest Management in Sub-Saharan Africa

Guidelines for Institutionalizing and Implementing Community-based Forest Management in Sub-Saharan Africa

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 68

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Guidelines for Institutionalizing and Implementing Community-based Forest Management in Sub-Saharan Africa by :

Download or read book Guidelines for Institutionalizing and Implementing Community-based Forest Management in Sub-Saharan Africa written by and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 68 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Community-based Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation in Madagascar

Community-based Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation in Madagascar

Author: Zo Lalaina Randriarimalala

Publisher:

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Community-based Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation in Madagascar by : Zo Lalaina Randriarimalala

Download or read book Community-based Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation in Madagascar written by Zo Lalaina Randriarimalala and published by . This book was released on 2002 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Governance for Justice and Environmental Sustainability

Governance for Justice and Environmental Sustainability

Author: Merle Sowman

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2014-02-24

Total Pages: 437

ISBN-13: 1136324127

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Understanding the governance of complex social-ecological systems is vital in a world faced with rapid environmental change, conflicts over dwindling natural resources, stark disparities between rich and poor and the crises of sustainability. Improved understanding is also essential to promote governance approaches that are underpinned by justice and equity principles and that aim to reduce inequality and benefit the most marginalised sectors of society. This book is concerned with enhancing the understanding of governance in relation to social justice and environmental sustainability across a range of natural resource sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa. By examining governance across various sectors, it reveals the main drivers that influence the nature of governance, the principles and norms that shape it, as well as the factors that constrain or enable achievement of justice and sustainability outcomes. The book also illuminates the complex relationships that exist between various governance actors at different scales, and the reality and challenge of plural legal systems in much of Sub-Saharan Africa. The book comprises 16 chapters, 12 of them case studies recounting experiences in the forest, wildlife, fisheries, conservation, mining and water sectors of diverse countries: Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Cameroon.Through insights from these studies, the book seeks to draw lessons from the praxis of natural resource governance in Sub-Saharan Africa and to contribute to debates on how governance can be strengthened and best configured to meet the needs of the poor, in a way that is both socially just and ecologically sustainable.


Book Synopsis Governance for Justice and Environmental Sustainability by : Merle Sowman

Download or read book Governance for Justice and Environmental Sustainability written by Merle Sowman and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2014-02-24 with total page 437 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Understanding the governance of complex social-ecological systems is vital in a world faced with rapid environmental change, conflicts over dwindling natural resources, stark disparities between rich and poor and the crises of sustainability. Improved understanding is also essential to promote governance approaches that are underpinned by justice and equity principles and that aim to reduce inequality and benefit the most marginalised sectors of society. This book is concerned with enhancing the understanding of governance in relation to social justice and environmental sustainability across a range of natural resource sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa. By examining governance across various sectors, it reveals the main drivers that influence the nature of governance, the principles and norms that shape it, as well as the factors that constrain or enable achievement of justice and sustainability outcomes. The book also illuminates the complex relationships that exist between various governance actors at different scales, and the reality and challenge of plural legal systems in much of Sub-Saharan Africa. The book comprises 16 chapters, 12 of them case studies recounting experiences in the forest, wildlife, fisheries, conservation, mining and water sectors of diverse countries: Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Cameroon.Through insights from these studies, the book seeks to draw lessons from the praxis of natural resource governance in Sub-Saharan Africa and to contribute to debates on how governance can be strengthened and best configured to meet the needs of the poor, in a way that is both socially just and ecologically sustainable.

Forty years of community-based forestry

Forty years of community-based forestry

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 168

ISBN-13: 9251090955

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Since the 1970s and 1980s, community-based forestry has grown in popularity, based on the concept that local communities, when granted suffi­cient property rights over local forest commons, can organize autonomously and develop local institutions to regulate the use of natural resources and manage them sustainably. Over time, various forms of community-based forestry have evolved in different countries, but all have at their heart the notion of some level of participation by smallholders and community groups in planning and implementation. This publication is FAO’s fi­rst comprehensive look at the impact of community-based forestry since previous reviews in 1991 and 2001. It considers both collaborative regimes (forestry practised on land with formal communal tenure requiring collective action) and smallholder forestry (on land that is generally privately owned). The publication examines the extent of community-based forestry globally and regionally and assesses its effectiveness in delivering on key biophysical and socioeconomic outcomes, i.e. moving towards sustainable forest management and improving local livelihoods. The report is targeted at policy-makers, practitioners, researchers, communities and civil society.


Book Synopsis Forty years of community-based forestry by : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Download or read book Forty years of community-based forestry written by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and published by Food & Agriculture Org.. This book was released on 2016 with total page 168 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Since the 1970s and 1980s, community-based forestry has grown in popularity, based on the concept that local communities, when granted suffi­cient property rights over local forest commons, can organize autonomously and develop local institutions to regulate the use of natural resources and manage them sustainably. Over time, various forms of community-based forestry have evolved in different countries, but all have at their heart the notion of some level of participation by smallholders and community groups in planning and implementation. This publication is FAO’s fi­rst comprehensive look at the impact of community-based forestry since previous reviews in 1991 and 2001. It considers both collaborative regimes (forestry practised on land with formal communal tenure requiring collective action) and smallholder forestry (on land that is generally privately owned). The publication examines the extent of community-based forestry globally and regionally and assesses its effectiveness in delivering on key biophysical and socioeconomic outcomes, i.e. moving towards sustainable forest management and improving local livelihoods. The report is targeted at policy-makers, practitioners, researchers, communities and civil society.