Resources

Large-scale participatory natural resource management programmes often include national governments, large NGOs and donor agencies as major actors. The scaling up of participation to include more people and places constantly challenges these large organisations to become flexible, innovative and transparent. More specifically, the emphasis on diversity, decentralisation and devolution of decision making powers in the management of natural resources for complex and dynamic livelihoods implies procedures and organisational cultures which do not impose "particiaption" from above through bureaucratic and standardised practices. Under what conditions can bureaucracies be refashioned or transformed to ensure that their outcomes (policies, programmes, resource allocation and projects) actually facilitate, rather than inhibit, participation and the adaptive management of natural resources? What is the impact of institutionalising participatory approaches on the social dynamics, livelihoods and well-being of low-income rural and urban groups and local organisations? To focus on these issues and questions, IIED and IDS have inititiated an action-oriented research project to examine the dynamics of institutionalising people-centred processes and participatory approaches for natural resource management in a variety of social and ecological contexts. This bibliography includes about 390 references and critical overviews on seven key themes. Theories of the organisational change for participation Towards learning organisations Gender and organisational change Transforming environmental knowledge and organisational cultures Nuturing enabling attitudes and behaviour Policies for participation Methods for institutional and impact analysis