Rights, resources and rural development : community-based natural resource management in Southern Africa

This text examines the flaws in community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) and proposes remedies for many locations and circumstances; shows how CBNRM can be central to sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity; and presents a wealth of case studies from southern Africa – the crucible of CBNRM development Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) refers to rural people managing and using natural resources to enhance their livelihoods. It is widely recognized that much of the Earth's biodiversity is managed in this way, and that local communities can, and must, contribute to conserving biodiversity without sacrificing their access to natural resources. Observers and practitioners have focused on how CBNRM can be employed in sustainable development programs as a means to overcome poverty in various parts of the globe. Recently, however, the CBNRM concept has been criticized because many of these programs have not yet had major positive impacts on improved rural livelihoods or conservation of biodiversity. This book identifies and analyzes the flaws, which are often swept under the carpet by those involved in CBNRM initiatives, and proposes remedies for a variety of circumstances based on lessons learned in southern Africa over the past decade.