Part I. Workshop Summary

Many governments are adopting policies to devolve responsibility for natural resource management to local bodies. Devolution is fuelled by privatization trends, growing fiscal constraints at the state level, and a search for more sustainable resource management. Programs such as Joint Forest Management, Irrigation Management Transfer, or Fisheries Co-Management are all examples of this trend. Successful devolution, however, requires that effective institutions be in place at the local level and that the policy environment be supportive of local management. The particular make-up of these institutions and policies varies across resources and regions, although there are many common elements and lessons to be learned which cut across experience in devolving management of forests, rangelands, aquatic resources, and irrigation, in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Although the theoretical advantages of user management have been convincing and the impetus for devolution policies strong, the actual outcomes of devolution programs in various sectors and countries have been mixed. The stated objectives of such programs in terms of positive impact on resource productivity, equity among stakeholders, poverty alleviation, and organizational and environmental sustainability are often not met. Experience has shown that the emergence of strong local management cannot be automatically assumed. Key questions that have emerged in the process of expanding local authority over natural resources range from property rights and arrangements for collective action and resource use, to supportive institutional and policy frameworks. Among these are: