INFORMATION USE AND ABUSE IN THE LOCAL GOVERNANCE OF COMMON-POOL FOREST RESOURCES

Abstract

ABSTRACT Information can be used to control and to deceive but also to stimulate creativity and the ability to respond to new opportunities. The role of information is especially crucial in the local governance of common-pool forest resources because activities in this field involve a wide variety of actors in different roles, with different interests, and with varying levels of knowledge and skills. In situations of open communication this diversity of actors can be a strength in finding solutions to complex problems. However, the diverse actors often face difficulties communicating with each other and thus fail to capitalize on their diversity. Unless actors are able to develop effective communication, local governance of forest resources is not likely to be successful. Different strategies of finding, processing, and incorporating important information into community forestry decision making are presented and discussed in this article. Traditional, top-down project decision making often induces information-for-control rather than information-for-learning. Institutional analysis helps to identify sources of motivation (or lack thereof) for different actors to engage in community forestry learning activities. The right information, flowing to all major actors and being used for decision making, can make a difference in the success of community forestry activities.