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.
These initiatives were shaped by an international policy narrative that emphasises participation in decision making and development.
A review of fisheries decentralization experiences in Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria, and Malawi reveals marked differences in purpose, strategy, and performance. In general, co-management projects are limited by their ability to scale up new practice and to maintain viable and representative management institutions.
In other cases, the decentralization process is not well supported politically or locally or does not articulate with fisheries policy. Experiences of decentralization in other sectors provide useful lessons.
Acknowledging the informal institutional environment or realpolitik of fisheries and the rural economy could provide opportunities to better manage and review the process of decentralization.

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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.
Practical Action facilitated an extended period of negotiation, fact-finding and planning with community groups and local government stakeholders. The outcome was a modified PAPD approach that places great emphasis on informal social institutions and seeks to strengthen the social and political capital of these isolated communities via increased exposure to decision-makers and service providers. The authors conclude that such processes require new ways to define the "meaning of success" and that facilitating agencies must attempt to track "off-stage" issues that can help or hinder local planning.
"The authors and their organization - Practical Action - have chosen to focus on a microcosm, drawing lessons from participatory planning and consensus building in Bangladesh. As such, they are encouraging valuable learning within their own organization and beyond, inviting us to critically reflect and learn with them"- Dr Michel Pimbert, Director, Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity and Livelihoods Programme, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), UK

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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.

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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.
The approach is Participatory Action Plan Development (PAPD) - a structured and repeatable set of activities that helps local people identify key problems and constraints together with realistic opportunities to address them.
The guide provides a basic explanation of six key stages required to reach consensus on simple livelihoods related initiatives at local level. The purpose, approach and process of each stage is described with reference to specific examples.

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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?

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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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