Facilitating Participatory Processes for Policy Change in Natural Resource Management: Lessons from the Highlands of Southwestern Uganda. Annex D of the FTR for Project R7856.
Abstract
This paper reports results of a participatory policy action research process that aimed at strengthening local-level processes and capacity for developing, implementing and enforcing local policies and byelaws to improve the adoption of NRM technologies in Kabale, Uganda. The action research was built around six key components: (i) community visioning and planning; (ii) participatory policy analysis; (iii) policy dialogue linking bottom-up processes to higher level policy processes; (iv) policy learning events; (v) policy process management, and (vi) supporting policy action at different levels. As a result of this process, the pilot communities formulated and implemented a number of integrative byelaws on soil erosion control, tree planting, animal grazing, wetlands management, bush burning and food security. Results suggest that recent decentralization reforms in Uganda provide significant opportunities for research to influence and support the process of policy change in NRM. To influence policy change in NRM, the paper suggests a five \"INs\" approach: (i) strengthening local institutions; (ii) providing information; (iii) linking byelaws to NRM innovations; (iv) promoting incentives, and (v) building network of influence. Influencing policy is, however, a long process that needs perseverance and commitment, and a sustained programme of interventions by multiple stakeholders.
Citation
Sanginga, P., Kamugisha, R., Martin, A., Kakuru, A. and Stroud, A. 2004. Facilitating participatory processes for policy change in natural resource management: Lessons from the highlands of Southwestern Uganda. Annex D of the Final Technical Report for project R7856, ‘Strengthening social capital for improving policies and decision-making in NRM’. Kampala, Uganda: CIAT - African Highlands Initiative.
Links