Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRN) in Distress: Experiences from Omay Communal Lands, Zimbabwe

Abstract

"Some scholars have argued that the process of decentralization in CBNRM provides an opportunity for NRM policy and practice to become more democratic and accountable and that the same process increases the chances for the local community to have greater control over the process of planning and management. Others believe that this decentralization can lead to uncoordinated and incoherent policy, largely based on the interests of the wealthier and more powerful people. This study explored the degree to which institutional arrangements promote or negatively impact on options and opportunities for legal framework reforms that promote sustainable and meaningful livelihood options. It further evaluated the legal and policy context that affects local people in the use and management of their resources. A case study approach was employed using Participatory Rural Appraisal methodology as the central approach at community level. This study shows that resources in the study area are generally abundant but local people's access to these resources is largely problematic due to some policy constraints. The study revealed that there is lack of congruence between policy on paper and practice on the ground in Omay regarding implementation of CBNRM activities. The study therefore recommends that there is need for coordinated activities in policy implementation. Institutional activities need to be coordinated in consultation with communities and their involvement in decision making is central for them to appreciate their resources and utilize them in such a way that they do not continue to deplete them. In addition, communication between institutions and communities is needed to make the latter aware of current challenges and opportunities for them to be reliably informed about activities and plans regarding resource use, policy implementation and livelihood potential."