Publications
![]() Roger Lewins et al Abstract Most countries in Africa have promoted some form of decentralized fisheries management either as discrete co-management projects or as a component of broader decentralization processes that cut across other sectors. |
![]() Roger Lewins, Stuart Coupe & Francis Murray Abstract The authors outline the theory and history of consensus building to natural resource management and development before discussing the experiences of Practical Action using Participatory Action Plan Development (PAPD) in the remote and vulnerable charlands of northern Bangladesh. |
![]() Stuart Coupe & Roger Lewins Abstract The International Seed Treaty (International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture - ITPGRFA) represents a major global effort to ensure the wise and fair use of crucial genetic material, today and for future generations. This paper examines the process by which the key arguments emerged and how key players in the process worked to influence the negotiation and eventual adoption of the Treaty. Five key periods or 'transition episodes' are identified and outlined in detail. Central to the Treaty is the attempt to establish a multilateral system of access to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture based on an accepted list of key plant varieties and a recognised mechanism for benefit sharing. In parallel, the Treaty aims to recognise and protect Farmers' Rights - the rights of farmers to access and use this material and to be rewarded / respected as managers and custodians of these resources. The significance of the Treaty is discussed in relation to the continued threat to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, dangerous trends in ownership and breeder technology and threats to other agricultural heritage, in particular the alarming loss of animal breeds. Download this book (PDF 728.81Kb)...
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![]() Acknowledging the informal institutional setting of natural resource management consequences for policy-makers and practitioners Roger Lewins Abstract The analysis of natural resource management (NRM) institutions is drawn from two predominant theoretical schools - New Institutional Economics (NIE) and Common Property Resource (CPR) theory. There remains a need to transfer usable messages from the theory to those closely engaged with NRM in the development context. The paper brings together the recent theoretical reappraisal of the 'institution' in NRM with research findings from Bangladesh to argue the importance of re-emphasizing a simple distinction between formal and informal institutions. Acknowledging the importance of the informal institutional environment is crucial for improved management and evaluation of NRM initiatives.
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![]() Ahmed Taha, Roger Lewins, Stuart Coupe, Barnaby Peacocke Summary This guide, adapted and tested by Practical Action in Bangladesh and Sudan, sets out an approach to community planning that intends to build local consensus to help people manage and improve their livelihood options. |
![]() Stuart Coupe, Viv Lewis, Zadoc Ogutu & Cathy Watson Abstract Farmers and pastoralists living alongside wildlife close to the national parks of Kenya have few advantages. It can also be inconvenient and dangerous. Crops are routinely trampled or eaten and livestock is killed by lions or weakened by exposure to tsetse flies. Tourism revenues are usually promised to compensate for this but how realistic is this option particularly for the poorer communities? More about this Working Paper...
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![]() Stuart Coupe, Jon Hellin, Absolom Masendeke, Elijah Rusike Abstract This ITDG Working Paper analyses the experience of a farmers' jury in Zimbabwe. Representatives of poor farmers mapped out their vision for the future of agriculture in their country after hearing from policy makers and technical experts of every shade of opinion.
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![]() Edited By Lucy Stevens,Stuart Coupe,Diane Mitlin Abstract The challenge of urban poverty is growing every year. It is predicted that over 95% of global population growth between 2000 and 2030 will take place in the cities of the developing world. If current trends continue, the huge majority of those will end up in slums. Tackling urban poverty, however, has had a lower profile than other of the Millennium Development Goals, for example the one on water - despite the efforts of major players such as UN-Habitat. This book makes a case for approaches to urban development that are locally driven and which complement the vast investments and efforts of slum-dwellers themselves. It discusses a range of approaches for achieving that, focusing on practical experiences and clear lessons for the future. Essential reading for development practitioners, donors and funding agencies, academics and students interested in NGO-supported approaches to urban development
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