This dissertation seeks to expose through a systemic approach the complexity and
centrality of governance in community-based natural resource management (CBNRM).
This is premised on the hypothesis that an appreciation of this complexity and of drawing
analytic distinctions between governance and management is necessary for successful
interventions. The study adopts community-based environmental governance (CBEG) as the core
heuristic variable in a conceptual framework for analysing CBNRM. The application of
this framework generates empirical evidence concerning CBNRM processes adopted in
the Kafue Flats socio-biophysical system. It is illustrated that CBNRM processes are
established and implemented in a complex context. It is observed that social actors on the
Kafue Flats usually do not constructively understand and appreciate this complexity.
Several examples are demonstrated in which the thinking and actions of these actors
reflect a limited conceptual framework of systems thinking and the inherent complexity
in CBNRM. It is illustrated that these actors do not appreciate that CBNRM is a
significant component of the governance of natural resource utilisation. This lack of
appreciation is essentially identified as a contributing factor to poor performance.
Ultimately, CBNRM processes are not only about sustainable use of natural resources;
but also the nature and quality of relationships amongst social actors in CBEG. By
drawing attention to these relationships, this study broadens our understanding of what
goes into CBNRM processes. The implications of ignoring these relationships can be
detrimental to the success of CBNRM. Accordingly, the establishment of productive
CBNRM systems depends on how firmly CBEG issues and concerns are incorporated
into CBNRM analyses and operations. Evidently, CBNRM cannot be pragmatically
pursued in rigid socio-biophysical settings. It requires systemic and structural changes in
the socio-political, economic and cultural mechanisms of CBEG. Thus, all cooperating
partners, governments included, should accept that CBEG and CBNRM are inseparable.
This understanding necessitates them to spearhead CBEG capacity building schemes at
international, national and local levels. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/9280 |
| Date | January 2002 |
| Creators | Nkhata, Bimo Abraham. |
| Contributors | Fincham, Robert J., Breen, Charles M. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | en_ZA |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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