Resource Governance In Africa Research Articles

Urbanization, civil conflict, and the severity of food insecurity in Africa

AbstractThe objective of this article is to examine the impact of urbanization and civil conflicts on the severity of food insecurity for a panel of 43 African countries over the period 2000–2020. Subsequently, the heterogeneous choice models approach was used for the estimations. The results show that urbanization and civil conflict increase food insecurity. The parallel line probability hypothesis results specifically show that a one‐unit increase in urban growth rate increases the probability of belonging to a high‐risk food insecurity category by more than .6 times. Furthermore, the results show that the impacts of urbanization on food insecurity are modulated by civil conflicts in Africa leading to the net effect of .692. This corresponds to the policy threshold of 2.315 when the net positive effect is canceled out. Therefore, this study strongly recommends the need for African economies to develop urban agriculture while controlling the pace of urbanization in order to reduce food insecurity and avoid possible civil wars.Related ArticlesAsare‐Nuamah, Peter, Anthony Amoah, and Simplice A. Asongu. 2023. “Achieving Food Security in Ghana: Does Governance Matter?” Politics & Policy 51(4): 614–35. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12540.Ayanoore, Ishmael, and Sam Hickey. 2022. “Reframing the Politics of Natural Resource Governance in Africa: Insights from the Local Content Legislation Process in Ghana.” Politics & Policy 50(1): 119–36. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12449.Oehmke, James F., Sera L. Young, Godfrey Bahiigwa, Boaz Blackie Keizire, and Lori Ann Post. 2018. “The Behavioral‐Economics Basis of Mutual Accountability to Achieve Food Security.” Politics & Policy 46(1): 32–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12244.

Aligning policies, maintaining power: State‐society conflicts and state responses to food crises in Indonesia and Nigeria

AbstractDespite the importance of food for both economic and political reasons, why do governments respond differently to food crises? To answer this question, this article assesses the politics of state responses to food crises in Indonesia and Nigeria in the 1960s and 1970s. Using the state‐in‐society approach to politics, this research finds that variation in state–society conflicts explains the differences in Indonesia's and Nigeria's responses to the food crises. Conflicts between the state and urban workers led Nigeria to align its food policies with the need to contain urban workers' grievances, while in Indonesia conflicts between peasants and the state led the government to align its food policies with rural development to raise food production and eliminate the source of rural threats. State responses to food crises are therefore context‐dependent policies, deeply influenced by the salient form of state–society conflicts.Related ArticlesAsare‐Nuamah, Peter, Anthony Amoah, and Simplice A. Asongu. 2023. “Achieving Food Security in Ghana: Does Governance Matter?” Politics & Policy, Early View. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12540.Ayanoore, Ishmael, and Sam Hickey. 2022. “Reframing the Politics of Natural Resource Governance in Africa: Insights from the Local Content Legislation Process in Ghana.” Politics & Policy 50(1): 119–36. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12449.Oehmke, James F., Sera L. Young, Godfrey Bahiigwa, Boaz Blackie Keizire, and Lori Ann Post. 2018. “The Behavioral‐Economics Basis of Mutual Accountability to Achieve Food Security.” Politics & Policy 46(1): 32–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12244.

Achieving food security in Ghana: Does governance matter?

AbstractThis study complements the extant literature by assessing the role of governance dynamics in food security in Ghana for the period 1980–2019. The empirical evidence is based on the fully modified ordinary least squares technique and governance is categorized into political (entailing political stability and voice and accountability), economical (consisting of regulatory quality and government effectiveness), and institutional (entailing corruption‐control and the rule of law) governance dynamics. The study finds that the engaged governance dynamics improve food security in Ghana. Policy implications are discussed with specific emphasis on the sustainable development goals.Related ArticlesAyanoore, Ishmael, and Sam Hickey. 2022. “Reframing the Politics of Natural Resource Governance in Africa: Insights from the Local Content Legislation Process in Ghana.” Politics & Policy 50(1): 119–36. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12449.Oehmke, James F., Sera L. Young, Godfrey Bahiigwa, Boaz Blackie Keizire, and Lori Ann Post. 2018. “The Behavioral‐Economics Basis of Mutual Accountability to Achieve Food Security.” Politics & Policy 46(1): 32–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12244.Pelizzo, Riccardo, and Zim Nwokora. 2018. “Party System Change and the Quality of Democracy in East Africa.” Politics & Policy 46(3): 505–28. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12255.

Decentralization and development in Ghana's Fourth Republic

AbstractThis article demonstrates how decentralization can lead to development at the local level, albeit in moderate form. Analyzing data collected from 660 respondents based on face‐to‐face interviews, focus group discussions, and personal observations, we found that the transfer of power and resources to the district assemblies (DAs) has led to the provision of critical social amenities such as roads, education, health‐care facilities, and management of environmental sanitation at the sub‐national level. Respondents are satisfied with the provision of these social amenities because they have led to relative improvements in their basic social needs. Yet, delays and the accumulation of arrears associated with the transfers of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) have deprived the DAs of the needed revenue to deliver far‐reaching social services to the people. The grant of more financial autonomy to the DAs and measures to curtail the overbearing influence of the central government over the administration of the DACF will enhance their capacity to deliver substantial development projects to accentuate the transformation of the rural districts.Related ArticlesAdams, Brian E. 2016. “Assessing the Merits of Decentralization: A Framework for Identifying the Causal Mechanisms Influencing Policy Outcomes.” Politics & Policy 44(5): 820–49. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12172.Ayanoore, Ishmael, and Sam Hickey. 2022. “Reframing the Politics of Natural Resource Governance in Africa: Insights from the Local Content Legislation Process in Ghana.” Politics & Policy 50(1): 119–36. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12449.Debrah, Emmanuel. 2016. “Decentralization, District Chief Executives, and District Assemblies in Ghana's Fourth Republic.” Politics & Policy 44(1): 135–64. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12146.

Reframing the politics of natural resource governance in Africa: Insights from the local content legislation process in Ghana

AbstractNew oil‐producing countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa have moved rapidly to adopt local content legislation to ensure that locally owned firms benefit from natural resource finds. Current research into this move frames local content development in Africa as existing on a continuum between elite projects to accumulate rents and build a domestic capitalist class. This article problematizes such accounts through an in‐depth case study of Ghana. By deploying an adapted “political settlements” framework that incorporates the role of ideas as well as transnational agency, we show that elite commitment to local content reforms is driven by the broader politics of regime survival and paradigmatic ideas rather than political economy factors alone.Related ArticlesAnuar, Amalina, and Aninda Dewayanti. 2021. “Trust in the Process: Renewable Energy Governance in Malaysia and Indonesia.” Politics & Policy 49(3): 740–70. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12409Khodr, Hiba, and Isabella Ruble. 2013. “Energy Policies and Domestic Politics in the MENA Region in the Aftermath of the Arab Upheavals: The Cases of Lebanon, Libya, and KSA.” Politics & Policy 41(5): 656–89. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12033Osman, Antwi‐Boateng, and Mamudu Abunga Akudugu. 2020. “Golden Migrants: The Rise and Impact of Illegal Chinese Small‐Scale Mining in Ghana.” Politics & Policy 48(1): 135–67. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12342

12 - Accumulation by Dispossession: Climate Change and Natural Resources Governance in Africa

12 - Accumulation by Dispossession: Climate Change and Natural Resources Governance in Africa

Beyond the rituals of inclusion: The environment for women and resource governance in Africa’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector

This paper considers the apparent confluence of three policy developments: the Sustainable Development Goals, as the latest international commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment; the growing push to formalize the artisanal and small-scale mining sector; and the call to address environmental concerns of ASM through increased regulation, including formalization. Informed by feminist political economy and political ecology scholarship, we consider the kinds of gendered meanings about gold ASM (ASGM) and the environment made possible through the points where formal policy commitments to ASGM, environmental protection and women’s inclusion intersect, or fail to intersect. We explore three contexts in which environment narratives have been framed and/or mobilized: the 2014 Minamata Convention on Mercury, followed by two brief case studies examining the consequences of the enforcement of gender-blind environmental initiatives on the livelihoods of women artisanal gold miners in central Mozambique and eastern Ghana. The paper concludes with three recommendations for future work on the intersection of environmental protection programs and women’s empowerment agendas for the ASGM sector.

Natural Resource Governance in Africa

The continent of Africa is one of the most richly endowed continents with natural resources that would have placed it on a world map as the most developed continent but not many countries have succeeded in turning the revenues from these natural resources to enduring economic benefits. This phenomenon often described as the “resources curse” has not only stalled development but has created such grinding poverty and socio-economic exclusions owing to lack of transparency, accountability and prudent use of these resources. This essay looks at the all-important issue of natural resource governance in Africa, it challenges, efforts at mitigating these challenges and possible recommendations. Findings show that the absence of proactive measures in managing these resources and insincerity on the path of leaders have led to gross mismanagement of natural resources. It has also led to high rate of corruption and over dependence on it in raising revenue for development purposes. The essay recommends that resource rich countries must invest into the future, build institutions and diversify their economy. One effective way to do it is the Sovereign Wealth Fund, keeping in mind the international best practices, also develop knowledge institutions, and cultivate a knowledge-based economy.

An Essay on Natural Resource Governance in Africa

Africa is richly endowed with natural resources that would have placed it on a world map as the most developed continent. This has not been the case as the management of these resources has been a recurring challenge; awfully and embarrassingly dismal to many countries. Oil and natural gas in particular have been notoriously precarious. Not many countries have succeeded in turning the revenues from these natural resources whether land, sea, forests and other bio diversity, to enduring economic benefits and this phenomenon has been described as the “resources curse”. This has not only stalled development but it has created such grinding poverty and socio-economic exclusions, which has elicited both crimes and insurgency. This is largely due to the recklessness and irresponsibility of Africa’s political leadership, Dutch Disease, lack of transparency and accountability among others. This essay looks at the all-important issue of natural resource governance in Africa, it challenges, efforts at mitigating these challenges and possible recommendations. The essay recommends that resource rich countries must invest into the future, build our institutions and diversify their economy. One effective way to do it is the Sovereign Wealth Fund, keeping in mind the international best practices and also develop a knowledge institutions and cultivate a knowledge-based economy.

Transnational initiatives towards natural resource governance in Africa post-2015

The 21st century is marked by a welcome proliferation of innovative forms of natural resource governance to advance sustainable development. This article sheds light on the background for this quite remarkable and unanticipated shift. It analyses the prospects for AMV advocacy and adoption by emerging state and non-state actors by the end of this decade, both in Africa and beyond. It examines these evolving perspectives and debates vis a vis 21st century globalization. It also identifies the unexpected and unprecedented range of transnational governance initiatives that have been proposed since the turn of the century. These continue to proliferate and compete, being refined in the process as the problematic notion of global governance continues to be a subject of considerable debate. It also extends the range of developmental challenges to include the burgeoning water-energy-food nexus. Keywords : governance, Africa, economy, development

Whither the state? Mining codes and mineral resource governance in Africa

In contrast to the early post-independence era in which African states predominantly controlled the mining sector, the 1980s saw African countries update their mining codes to attract foreign capital. These reform measures largely diminished the power of the state, either resulting in its “selective silence” or its retraction. However, after three waves of these reforms, the disparity between natural resources and sustainable development has continued to widen. Two theories offer a nuanced approach to understanding the state of flux of mining codes and mineral governance in Africa: governance theory and the developmental state theory. This article argues that the activist, interventionist state is making a comeback in mineral resource governance throughout Africa. Moreover, regional initiatives such as the African Mining Vision represent a fundamental departure in mineral governance. However, such initiatives will only bring development to the extent that they are owned by African governments and backed by local communities.

A Re-Assessment of the Impact and Potency of Traditional Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in Post-Conflict Africa

Traditional means of settling conflicts were widely accepted and preferred before the advent of colonial rule. During that period, it was a common tradition that no appeal could come out from disputes resolved. This is partly due to the fact that those judgments were given by elders, and in African tradition, people feared and believed in the repertoire of wisdom and knowledge coming from the elders. Thus, their decision would never be questioned. With the advent of colonial administration, the socio-cultural, political and economic life of most African communities were greatly impacted. African values and beliefs which provided the foundational basis for conflict resolution eroded and became weakened. Though, in today’s Africa, the African systems still retains legitimacy and occupy a prime place in justice administration, there is a growing conflict between Africa’s legal traditions, elders impact on dispute resolution and western styled imposed judicial systems. This paper is a re-assessment of the different approaches to conflict resolution in contemporary African societies. It argues for the recognition of these traditional approaches in laws and policies and the impact of oath-taking in administration of justice. It considers that traditional dispute resolution could be the lens for resolving the too many conflicts arising from extractive resource governance in Africa. A return to the age long tradition of settling disputes is recommended.

Precolonial institutions and deforestation in Africa

We find that local institutions inherited from the precolonial era continue to play an important role in natural resource governance in Africa. Using satellite image data, we find a significant and robust relationship between deforestation and precolonial succession rules of local leaders (local chiefs). In particular, we find that those precolonial areas where local leaders were appointed by ‘social standing’ have higher rates of deforestation compared to the base case of hereditary rule and where local leaders were appointed from above (by paramount chiefs). While the transmission mechanisms behind these results are complex, we suggest that areas where local leaders were appointed by social standing are more likely to have poorer institutions governing local leadership and forest management.

Bottleneck of Resource Governance in Africa: A Case Study on Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in Tanzania

Bottleneck of Resource Governance in Africa: A Case Study on Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in Tanzania

Analysing forest resource governance in Africa: Proposition for an integrated policy network model

The aim of this paper is to present an integrated policy network model for analysing forest policy formulation and implementation in Africa. The model, which is based on a relational conceptualisation of power, addresses some of the main weaknesses of the existing policy network theory. To test the robustness of the model, it was applied to examine forest governance in Ghana. Based on the empirical findings, it was concluded that the integrated policy network model provides a useful framework for understanding the fluidity of power and informal exchanges that characterises forest policy formulation and implementation in Africa.

Fred Nelson (ed): Community Rights, Conservation & Contested Land: The Politics of Natural Resource Governance in Africa

Fred Nelson (ed): Community Rights, Conservation & Contested Land: The Politics of Natural Resource Governance in Africa

Community rights, conservation and contested land: the politics of natural resource governance in Africa

Community rights, conservation and contested land: the politics of natural resource governance in Africa

Better resource governance in Africa: On what development agenda?

UNCTAD Expert Meeting on FDI IN NATURAL RESOURCES 20–22 November 2006 Geneva In the new policy framework that has emerged since the end of the 1990s, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) provide...