Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM)

Variable relationship:

This theory describes a particular way of managing natural resources, as carried out by communities of natural resource users themselves. It contains variables that are generally seen to characterize this type of management, rather than listing the conditioning factors that enable such communities to successfuly manage resources, which have been the subject of several research projects (e.g. see Ostrom 1990 and the "design principles" theory).

Agrawal and Gibson (1999) summarize the argument for CBNRM in the following way:

"In light of the significant symbolic, theoretical, and intellectual resources available to advocates of community, it is somewhat surprising that claims on behalf of community-based conservation often retain a rather simple quality. One such form such claims assume is that 'communities' have a long-term need for the renewable resources near which they live, and they possess more knowledge about these resources than other potential actors. They are, therefore, the best managers of resources."

Agrawal and Gibson (1999) discuss several aspects of the theory of CBNRM, or those supposed features of communities that should make them effective and sustainable managers of natural resources. These are summarized here.

The essential elements of CBNRM are that local communities are fairly decentralized in their decision making structure, (Centralization), consist of comparatively small and homogenous groups (Actor Group Size; Interest Heterogeneity; Cultural Heterogeneity) living close to the commons on which they depend (Commons User Proximity; Economic Dependence). Small group size and joint proximity to the commons are seen to enable personal communications and lower the costs of decision making (Personal Communication; Transaction Costs).

With the help of these attributes, along with the use of local/traditional knowledge (Governance Knowledge Use) and a mix of common and private property (Property Regime) to manage resources in a way that ensures a fit between rules and social-ecological contexts (Social-ecological Fit), collective action is maintained (Collective Action), and sustainable outcomes for the commons are achieved (Commons Condition Trend).

It is important to distinguish CBNRM from a particular property regime. As noted in the variable list, communities generally use a mix of both common property and private property (Property Regime) for different aspects of a commons with which they engage. This distinguishes the CBNRM theory from the theory of Private Property Rights, which strictly advocates for private property. As Netting (1976: 140) states, in describing historic institutional patterns among farming communities in the Swiss Alps:

"Historical evidence is entirely consistent with the assertation that both individual and communal rights in resources have been present for at least 500 years, and that they have regularly associated private control with meadows, grain fields, gardens, vineyards, and buildings, and community tenure with the alp, the forests, certain wastes lands, and access routes."

Project

SESMAD

Sector(s)

 

Scientific Field

Component Type(s)

Natural Resource Unit, Natural Resource System

Status

Public