Participatory Approaches in Natural Resource Management: A Review from a Socio-Economic Perspective

Abstract

The management of natural resources has become a burning issue with the growing cases of environmental degradation, climatic changes and the lack of livelihoods especially in forest based and rural areas. Participatory methods in natural resources management have also been suggested as an inclusive and sustainable alternative in response to this to focus on the inclusion of local communities in the process of making decisions and governance. This review paper discusses the participatory strategies in natural resource management in socio economic perspective, particularly forestry. By relying on the theoretical frameworks pertaining to common property resources, collective action, and social capital, the paper integrates the findings of national and global research on participatory forestry, community forest management, and community-based natural resources management. This review identifies that participatory model like Joint Forest Management, community forestry and social forestry has been effective in ameliorating forest condition and at the same time enhancing the livelihoods of the rural population. Engagement in forest conservation, forest plantations and collection of non-timber forest products would offer them wages as well as additional income, thus making them less vulnerable in the face of forest-dependent households. The review also highlights how inclusive participation, especially of women and the marginalised makes social equity strong and enhances better governance results. The review finds that participatory methods are a potential channel in attaining sustainable management of natural resources and socio-economic development. It also highlights the existence of a research gap to micro-level and quantitative assess socio-economic outcomes which indicates the necessity of future research(s) combining livelihood analysis with institutional and governance measure.