Knowledge systems and natural resources:Management, policy and institutions in Nepal

In recent years, knowledge systems have become key areas of concern for researchers, policy-makers and developmental activists. Knowledge Systems and Natural Resources is a unique collection of case studies from Nepal. It provides rich and incisive insights into critical social processes and deliberative governance. It analyses how knowledge is produced, disseminated and applied in various aspects of natural resource governance in Nepal. The book challenges the dichotomy between traditional and scientific knowledge. It proposes to differentiate among systems of knowledge on the basis of political standing of social actors engaged in natural resource governance. It further proposes that change in governance hinges on how the diverse systems of knowledge come into deliberative interface and to what extent the unequal distribution of power and knowledge resources in society constrain the process of deliberation.</p

Knowledge systems and deliberative interface in natural resource governance:An overiew

This book analyses how diverse knowledge systems operate in the field of natural resource management in Nepal. In order to examine the status of knowledge systems interface and identify the challenges of participatory and deliberative governance of natural resources, the book presents six case studies on forest, agriculture and water governance at different levels – from local community (such as a farmer managed irrigation system) to national research system (such as national agricultural research council) and civil society networking (such as national federation of community forestry users). The over arching issue being addressed in the book is – how questions of equity, efficiency and sustainability in natural resource management are shaped, influenced and determined by deliberative interfaces among diverse knowledge systems associated with diverse groups of social agents engaged in the practice of natural resource governance. Analysis of this issue in the light of empirical evidence and theoretical perspectives can help us draw policy and practical implications for effective knowledge management and social learning in natural resource governance. The book is primarily an analysis of Nepal's experiences and the findings have much wider relevance. The rationale of the book rests on the need to explore innovative processes and policies to facilitate inclusive, deliberative and equitable governance of resources. Despite recent upsurge of participatory innovations in development actions (Chambers 1994; Chambers 1997) and natural resource management, there is a continuing concern over limited real achievement in terms of local livelihood, economic contributions and natural resource sustainability (Cook and Kothari 2001; Edmunds and Wollenberg 2002; Colfer and Capistrano 2005).</p

Decentralisation and promotion of women's rights in Nepal : exploring constraints, opportunities and intervention avenues; a final project narrative

Copublished with Himalayan Grassroots Women's Natural Resource Management Association (HIMAWANTI)- NepalThis research examines the effectiveness of women’s participation in the context of state decentralisation processes in Nepal. It focuses on gendered social relations that shape women’s agency in the governance of public resources and services. This study analysed the depth and breadth of participation through which women exercise their agency in various policy and socio-cultural contexts of decentralization. In the study, men as well as women revealed that women committee members mostly listen to discussions led by men, and legitimise men’s decisions by signing the minute books when meetings close. This research also identified some processes and strategies that enhance positive impact of decentralization on women

Policies for tomorrow’s risk-resilient and equitable cities

Key policy messages 1. Haphazard urbanisation and construction activities and rapid migration create and trigger hazards such as inundation, landslides, fires, and encroachment in traditional settlements and farming land. 2. (Local) municipal governments urgently need to extrapolate emerging and future risks of hazards considering existing risks triggered by haphazard urbanisation. 3. Since disasters caused by vulnerabilities and hazards affect human society, culture, identity and livelihood practices, the engagement of social scientists to foresee the social aspects of risks from the inception of urban planning is quintessential. 4. Urban planning should not be portrayed solely as an infrastructure development project (e.g. high-rise buildings, wide roads, etc) but also conservation of local culture and environment, and inclusion of traditional knowledge and practices. 5. A deliberative and iterative engagement with disaggregated communities (e.g. caste/ethnicity, migrants, marginalised, informal settlers, women) is crucial to envisioning inclusive and resilient future/tomorrow’s cities. 6. All kinds of municipal development endeavours should be informed, embraced and institutionalised accounting for emerging and potential risks reduction and management aspects urgently