Comparing the Effectiveness of Informal and Formal Institutions in Sustainable Common Pool Resources Management in Sub-Saharan Africa

Mastewal Yami,Christian Vogl,Michael Hauser

doi:10.4103/0972-4923.64731

Abstract

This article compares the effectiveness of informal and formal institutions for sustainable common pool resources (CPRs) management in Sub-Saharan Africa and investigates the social, political and demographic conditions that influence the institutions' effectiveness. By focusing on publications addressing micro-level CPR management, a comprehensive literature review was conducted. Articles were grouped, based on the main themes of the study, including types of institutions and conditions that influence their effectiveness. A qualitative meta-analysis was conducted using a deductive coding approach. The results revealed that informal institutions have contributed to sustainable CPR management by creating a suitable environment for joint decision-making, enabling exclusion at low cost for CPR users and using locally agreed sanctions. Although the published evidence suggested less support to formal institutions under decentralised governmental reforms, they played an important role in implementing technologies for sustainable CPR management. Conditions that influence the effectiveness of both types of institutions include high population growth on limited CPRs, the growing scarcity of CPRs due to land use change and the lack of human and financial capacities. Improving the conditions that hinder the contributions of both types of institutions is crucial to enhance the institutions' effectiveness in sustainable CPR management. Moreover, policies and development interventions should strengthen the involvement of well-functioning informal institutions in decision-making so that sustainable CPR management can be achieved.

Highlights

In Africa, common pool resources (CPRs)1 management plays a crucial role for livelihood security and conservation of natural resources
There is a general consensus among studies that successful informal institutions served as mechanisms to achieve sustainability outcomes by regulating access to and control over CPRs, managing CPRs use conflicts, sharing benefits among CPR users, and mobilising social capital for sustainable CPR management (Chisholm, 1998)
A common pattern in all these cases points to the fact that informal institutions have evolved internally from the society and enacted in the interest of the community which has developed commitment, ownership, and responsiveness among the CPR users

Summary

Introduction

In Africa, common pool resources (CPRs) management plays a crucial role for livelihood security and conservation of natural resources. When managed in a sustainable manner, CPRs can be a key factor in poverty reduction and livelihood improvements of the rural poor (Beck and Nesmith, 2001). Berhanu and Swinton (2002), among others, pointed out that degradation of CPRs is among the major threats to sustainable rural development in sub Saharan Africa (SSA). Development projects on CPRs management were implemented without an adequate basis of knowledge on strengths and weaknesses of existing institutional arrangements. This has led to the undermining of important institutions which are involved in sustainable CPR management and to inefficient use of financial resources (Bremner and Lu, 2006)

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Results

Conclusion