Bridging research and policy for improving NRM : lessons and challenges in the highlands of South-western Uganda
Date
2005
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Publisher
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu, NP
Abstract
Natural resource management (NRM) research and development (R&D) is becoming an
expanding thrust of policy research on African agriculture because although natural
resources constitute the basis of sustainable livelihoods, their degradation has intensified over the years. However, despite this interest in NRM policy research, there is a paucity of empirical studies that link research to policy process in Africa. There is concern that NRM research and technology development has not been reflected in policy change, nor has it affected decision-making processes of rural communities for better management of natural resources. This chapter reports experience with a participatory policy action research process in Kabale, Uganda. It aims at strengthening local-level processes and capacity for developing, implementing, and enforcing local policies or byelaws to improve the adoption of NRM technologies that require collective action and collaboration. The main thrust of this action research process is building and strengthening a tripartite dialogue and interaction between local communities, local
government structures, and R&D organisations. This critical triangle is made operational by the policy task forces at the district, sub-county, and village levels. These task forces have proved to be critical in building support for byelaw review and formulation, and in mobilising political, social, human, and technical resources that are needed to sustain the participation of local communities in policy dialogue and action and for the adoption of NRM innovations. Lessons learnt suggest that there is significant opportunity for research to influence and support the process of decentralisation by
strengthening the capacity of local governments and local communities to accelerate wider-scale adoption and dissemination of NRM technologies. To be able to influence policy, research needs to provide direct support to the process of policy formulation and implementation. Mechanisms that researchers could use to influence and support policy actions to accelerate the adoption of NRM technologies are suggested. Influencing policy in NRM is, however, a long process that needs perseverance and a sustained programme of interventions by different institutions.
Description
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Book Chapter
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Keywords
NATURAL RESOURCES, RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, RESEARCH RESULTS, POLICY MAKING, COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION, CONFLICT RESOLUTION, HILLS, EAST AFRICA