CWEL - Local Institutions

Research on indigenous knowledge (IK) and participatory planning has drawn attention to community-based, informal and often traditional institutions that play an important role in natural resource management. These institutions are often culturally and environmentally specific, and rooted in the social capital - the IK, social relationships, shared values and networks - of a society or community.

Recognising strengths and weaknesses, empowering and involving these locally-based decision-making organisations within rural development initiatives is increasingly being seen as important for facilitating natural resource management that is equitable and sustainable, both socially and environmentally.





	Research on indigenous knowledge (IK) and participatory planning has drawn attention to community-based, informal and often traditional institutions that play an important role in natural resource management. These institutions are often culturally and environmentally specific, and rooted in the social capital - the IK, social relationships, shared values and networks - of a society or community. Recognising strengths and weaknesses, empowering and involving these locally-based decision-making organisations within rural development initiatives is increasingly being seen as important for facilitating natural resource management that is equitable and sustainable, both socially and environmentally.

		Structure of a wetland management institution in Ethiopia
	CWEL has recently undertaken research investigating the contribution of local informal institutions to wetland management in Western Ethiopia. The research identified a range of institutional structures that influence wetland management strategies via rules and regulations developed by communities themselves. The research established a link between the presence of wetland management institutions and the sustainable management of wetlands. Current research in Ethiopia addresses the characteristics and contribution of indigenous institutions in the management of tropical forests and non-timber forest products and the relationship to evolving government policy. Forthcoming research in 2004/2006 will explore the functioning of local wetland management institutions under conditions of decentralisation in Sierra Leone and Ethiopia, focusing on linkages and interaction between government and community institutions.

	Links:
	Indigenous Wetland Management Institutions: CWEL's ESRC funded research
	Community Organisation for Natural Resource Management: Report for the Ethiopian Wetlands Research Programme
	Local Wetland Management Institutions in Sierra Leone
	Community Management of Non Timber Forest Products: On-going research in Ethiopia