Resource Governance Research Articles (Page 1)

Abstract This paper used an empirical approach to understand how the actions and involvement of stakeholders such as government, the private sector, and civil society contribute to the energy injustice experienced by the community. It contributes to scholarship on energy justice in Africa and is informed by a case study of energy injustice in Makueni County, Kenya. The paper demonstrates an empirical approach to appreciating root causes of energy injustice at the local level.
Secondary data in the form of transcripts from fifteen focus group discussions are used in this study. Deductive and inductive thematic analyses are employed on these data. Findings establish that the energy injustices in Makueni County occur in interactions within the community, and between community and other stakeholders such as government and the private sector. Constraints to energy justice include income poverty within communities and limited financial resources in governments, the utility and the private sector. Tensions exhibited between environmental conservation and firewood access which cause conflict in the community and puts them at odds with the sub-national government. Finally, there is limited trust between the community and other stakeholders like government, the private sector and the utility. Mechanisms that can enhance energy justice within the community include communication and equal partnership between community and all stakeholders, inclusion of productive use in electrification programs and increased financing of electrification programs with consumer finance targeting both grid and off-grid users.

ABSTRACT Transboundary water management challenges complicate resource governance in Central Asia (CA). Addressing these issues requires integrated approaches to manage shared water, energy and food resources. The water-energy-food (WEF) nexus framework explores the links between these resources but remains an emerging process in CA, where poor water management has caused the desiccation of the region. This review of 58 WEF nexus publications shows that research focuses mainly on water and multinational scales, with limited attention to smaller scales. Stakeholders are often excluded, and methods remain quantitative despite scarce data. Thus, highlighting the need for balanced methodological approaches, integration of smaller-scale analyses and enhanced stakeholder participation.

This article analyzes the water societies of the Itajaí River basin as a counterpoint to Garrett Hardin's "tragedy of the commons" (1968). Formed by rice farmers, these associations - known as "ditch societies" - have been managing communal irrigation systems for over a century, preventing the degradation of the resource through collective rules, shared maintenance and social sanctions, in line with Elinor Ostrom's (1990) theory on the governance of common-use resources. The study highlights a revealing conflict: when the National Water Resources Policy (Law 9.433/1997) proposed charging for water use, the rice farmers defended their traditional systems, exposing tensions between technical models and community practices. The case of the Itajaí basin reformulates Hardin's dilemma, showing that the sustainability of shared resources depends not on nationalization or privatization, but on legitimized local institutions capable of adaptive co-management.

This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of residents and local leaders in remote Ifugao communities, Philippines, concerning natural disasters, aiming to develop a responsive, community-based disaster management framework. Utilizing systems thinking, social vulnerability to environmental hazards, community-based disaster management, people's vulnerability and disasters, and social capital theories, the research delves into their experiences across disaster phases, the short- and long-term impacts, and the challenges within existing management systems. Findings reveal that despite geographical isolation and limited formal support, these communities exhibit profound self-reliance, actively engaging in early warning, preparedness, response, and initial recovery through indigenous knowledge and mutual assistance. Disasters inflict severe multi-faceted impacts, including extensive livelihood disruption, agricultural loss leading to food insecurity, and significant psychological distress, often necessitating temporary migration. Yet, communities demonstrate extraordinary positive adaptation, heightened vigilance, strong social cohesion, and continuous learning to mitigate future risks. However, the current disaster management system faces substantial operational weaknesses, characterized by inconsistent government aid, leadership gaps, resource deficiencies, and inequitable, delayed, or biased aid distribution exacerbated by logistical barriers. These systemic failures disproportionately burden marginalized communities, forcing reliance on their limited internal capacities. The study concludes by advocating for an integrated, responsive, and locally sensitive disaster management practice. Recommendations emphasize officially incorporating traditional knowledge and mutual aid structures, providing holistic and long-term recovery support (including mental health and livelihood diversification), strengthening governance, accountability, and aid distribution, and investing in resilient infrastructure to bridge isolation. This approach seeks to genuinely build upon community resilience while addressing critical systemic vulnerabilities, moving towards a proactive, cooperative, and effective disaster management paradigm. Keywords: Ifugao Communities, Disaster Management, Community-Based, Resilience, Vulnerability

The purpose of this study is to examine how legal and regulatory frameworks influence foreign policy decisions, considering the complex dynamics of transboundary water governance, aiming to understand water scarcity, regional diplomacy, and interlinked investment decisions. This is in conjunction with the ongoing disputes over water resources and infrastructure projects, such as Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Historical treaties that shape regional relations are situated within theoretical frameworks, such as hegemony theory, which explains power asymmetries among riparian states. The theory of cooperation and participation emphasises stakeholder engagement and inclusive decision-making. At the same time, international water resources governance highlights the importance of coordinated efforts among regional and global actors, analysing how power dynamics, legal structures, and institutional capacities influence policy outcomes in the Nile Basin Countries. Methodologically, the research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Data collection involved structured surveys administered to 251 stakeholders across five Nile Basin countries, including government officials, academic experts, and regional organisations. The study also incorporated interviews, policy analysis, and review of legal documents to deepen understanding. Quantitative analysis employed descriptive statistics, correlation matrices, and regression models to assess relationships between legal frameworks and foreign policy decisions, while qualitative insights provided contextual understanding of regional challenges and opportunities. The findings reveal that existing legal frameworks are perceived as inadequate, with low ratings for their effectiveness, while dispute resolution mechanisms and policy harmonisation efforts are moderately developed. Strong correlations exist between legal structures, implementation capacity, and policy outcomes, indicating that robust legal arrangements are critical for effective governance. The analysis confirms that legal and institutional reforms, including the strengthening of dispute resolution and policy alignment, significantly influence foreign policy decisions. Environmental challenges, notably climate change impacting water availability, further complicate cooperation in wetlands, protecting the ecosystem and biodiversity, underscore the need for adaptive legal frameworks. The study also highlights the influence of geopolitical power asymmetries, historical treaties, and foreign investments on regional relations. In conclusion, the research emphasises that legal and regulatory frameworks are pivotal for regional stability and sustainable water management in the Nile Basin. It recommends that policymakers prioritise the development of comprehensive, adaptive legal instruments, foster regional dialogue, and build institutional capacities. Strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms and encouraging stakeholder participation are essential for cooperation. The study advocates for integrating environmental considerations into legal frameworks and leveraging international partnerships, supporting sustainable development. Overall, the findings suggest that a holistic approach combining legal reform, diplomatic engagement, and capacity-building is vital for fostering long-term peace and equitable resource sharing among Nile Basin countries.

ABSTRACT Over the last two decades, collaborative approaches to forest governance have become commonplace, valued for their potential to reduce conflict and increase equity and democracy. Despite growing application, little research has explored collaboration on state forestland management within the United States. The state scale is a particularly interesting arena for investigation as limited federal regulation of state land in the US leaves ample room for difference between cases. Furthermore, while the importance of power in collaboration is widely accepted, few empirical studies examine the role of power dynamics in the collaborative governance of natural resources. We conducted a comparative case study of two advisory groups guiding state land decision‐making to understand the extent to which power was distributed through their establishment and deliberative processes. While overall results support established theoretical frameworks describing power sources, we found evidence for three sources of power unaccounted for previously. We describe these as the resource of broad perspective , trust via predictability , and the power of veto . We also note the compounding effects of power evident in our cases and posit that implementing power sharing may be easier when the stakes are low. Finally, we highlight that collaborative governance processes do not always develop power for a broad range of impacted parties—a finding that holds important implications for the longevity of power developed through collaborative processes and the advantage of these initiatives.

Successful administration of national censuses in Nigeria has been a protracted agony plagued by inherent problems, including logistic, political, and methodological issues, which cumulatively have caused delays in enumeration, undercounting, and inconsistency of data. These defects diminish the credibility of demographic data needed for evidence-based governance, economic planning, and equitable resource allocation._. In this study, we explored opportunities for harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform census activities in Nigeria through the injection of state-of-the-art computational approaches into the national enumeration exercise. We showcased a multimodal AI pipeline comprising Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for population density estimation from satellite images, Natural Language Processing (NLP) pipelines for address standardization and matching in various languages, and unsupervised anomaly detection algorithms for real-time data quality verification. AI-based enumeration methods were simulated at both national and sub-national levels. CNN-generated heatmaps revealed population concentration trends in Lagos and other states and enabled the precise delineation of high-density urban agglomerations and underserved rural enclaves. The NLP tool generalized well to the linguistically diverse environments in Nigeria, with F1-scores greater than 0.90 for all but a few states for broken address reconciliation. Anomaly detection models built using Isolation Forest algorithms detected anomalous enumeration patterns as flags for potential undercounts or data manipulation. Population pyramid analysis for Lagos revealed an extremely young population structure, consistent with country-wide age trends. These findings provide empirical evidence that AI integration can promote census accuracy, operational efficiency and government effectiveness in Nigeria.

Agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) in Africa, a region highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising food demand and expanding cultivation are intensifying the challenge of balancing productivity with environmental sustainability. Although previous studies have examined aggregate CO₂ emissions in resource-dependent economies, limited attention has been given to agriculture-specific emissions and their interactions with renewable energy use, natural resource dependency, and technological innovation. This study addresses this gap by analyzing the determinants of agricultural CO₂ (ACO₂) emissions in 41 African countries from 1996 to 2023, using econometric methods including Fixed Effects (FE), Random Effects (RE), Panel Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE), and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) together with seven machine learning models to assess both linear and nonlinear dynamics. The results indicate that renewable energy adoption reduces ACO₂ emissions, whereas reliance on natural resources and technological innovations under current practices increases emissions, raising concerns about rebound effects and unsustainable resource use. Causality analysis reveals reciprocal relationships between renewable energy, natural resources, and ACO₂ emissions, while technological innovations exert a unidirectional effect. Among the machine learning approaches tested, the Extra Trees model achieved the highest predictive accuracy. Feature importance analysis confirmed the role of renewable energy, natural resources, and technology in shaping emission outcomes. These findings provide critical policy guidance, emphasizing the need for low-carbon energy transitions, sustainable resource governance, and inclusive climate-smart technological strategies to advance resilient agricultural development in Africa.

Knowledge Organization Systems (KOS) enable Semantic Web and Linked Data implementations. KOS in terms of the Linked Land Governance Thesaurus (LandVoc) and the Cadastre and Land Administration Thesaurus (CaLAThe) render concepts of the ISO 19152:2024 Land Administration Domain Model. These all support more shared and standardized understandings in the land domain. Concept mapping is presented, and an explicit integration of thesauri and knowledge bases is illustrated for education and community engagement. The paper reflects on the integration of CaLAThe into the LandVoc and AGROVOC context. The establishment of a less strict semantic facility, supporting ad hoc teaching tasks, is motivated.

Anti-epidemic pharmaceuticals predominantly contributed to PPCPs flux in the Yangtze River during 2020.

Cross-scale spillover of ecosystem services reveals pathways for equitable ecological compensation in inland river basins.

Beyond ore: Unveiling the hidden potential for developing nickel agromining in Brazil.

Can “more talk than deeds” digital innovation strategies gain preferential access to government resources?

Abstract Amid intensifying geopolitical competition and accelerating climate commitments, China’s rare earth elements (REE) sector has emerged as a strategic asset and a site of political contestation. While existing accounts emphasize China’s dominance through central control, this article develops the concept of “fractured extraction” to show how REE governance is mediated by uneven, multi-scalar negotiations among central authorities, provincial governments, municipal actors and firms. Drawing on historical analysis and provincial case studies from Inner Mongolia, Jiangxi and Sichuan, we argue that China’s REE governance is marked by cycles of alignment and divergence, where central mandates around environmental reform, industrial upgrading and resource consolidation are selectively implemented, reinterpreted or resisted by subnational actors pursuing local development goals. This dynamic reflects not fragmentation or coherence but fracture : a provisional, relational mode of governance that persists across China’s evolving extractive landscape. We identify four interrelated processes – innovation, upgrading, financialization and formalization – through which fractured extraction materializes to develop a framework for understanding the politics of green industrialization and strategic resource governance that foregrounds subnational actors and the contested nature of China’s low-carbon transition.

Abstract The water–energy–food–ecosystem (WEFE) nexus has emerged as a useful concept to describe and address complex interdependencies in natural resource governance. However, most existing research predominantly emphasizes biophysical and economic dimensions, overlooking the social and cultural dimensions of the nexus and how communities perceive and value these interconnections at diverse local scales. This study aims to bridge this gap by integrating the Diverse Values of Nature framework (IPBES) and the Human–Nature Connectedness (HNC) framework into WEFE nexus research, to explore how communities relate to WEFE systems and how these relations influence and shape the perception of well-being and sustainable natural resources governance. We conducted 110 semi-structured interviews across seven Mediterranean case studies (Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, and Italy), focusing on agricultural actors. The interviews were analyzed to identify value types (instrumental, intrinsic, and relational), HNC dimensions (material, experiential, cognitive, emotional, and philosophical), and links to diverse components of human well-being, which local actors associated with their WEFE nexus systems across the seven case studies. Results reveal that instrumental values dominate across the analyzed case studies, while intrinsic and relational values also play a crucial role in shaping governance priorities. In addition, the emotional and philosophical dimension of HNC emerged as key leverage points for governance transformations of the WEFE nexus. Additionally, case-specific contrasts and variations (e.g., varying levels of emotional bonds attached to diverse WEFE nexus systems) highlight the important need for applying context-sensitive and place-based approaches. Based on these findings, we argue that integrating non-monetary values, context-sensitive approaches, and human–nature relationships into WEFE governance could be essential for recognizing and supporting diverse worldviews, local knowledge systems, and cultural identities. This study contributes to advancing nexus thinking by demonstrating how social values and human–nature connections, not just monetary or biophysical trade-offs, in systems can inform transformative changes in WEFE nexus approaches and natural resource governance. This study advances nexus thinking beyond technical efficiency, advocating for inclusive, adaptive, and equity-centered approach.

Abstract Pakistan is endowed with immense mineral resources, particularly soft coal (lignite) deposits in the Sindh province (SE-Pakistan), which boast an estimated 185 Gt, with a significant portion of approximately 175 Gt located in the Thar region. These deposits have the potential to address the country’s energy crises, drive economic growth, support urbanization and alleviate poverty. However, Thar’s coal remains considerably underutilized, as evidenced by its minimal contribution to Pakistan’s minerals-to-GDP ratio. This raises pressing questions: how can Pakistan fully leverage its significant coal potential? And what strategies can Pakistan adopt to maximize substantial foreign direct investment in the coal mining sector? To address this, Pakistan’s mineral policy and governance system is critically examined, with a particular focus on province Sindh’s regulatory framework governing coal, concerned social and environmental obligations and mining operations. The research seeks to identify weaknesses within the existing policy and regulatory framework governing Sindh’s coal sector and proposes actionable reforms centered on transparency, inclusivity and sustainability, with the aim of establishing a sustainable coal governance system for long-term economic growth in Pakistan. The study concludes that regulatory fragmentation, outdated geological data, lack of investor protection and insufficient community engagement are major barriers to sectoral growth and foreign investment. A comprehensive and cohesive “National Thar Coal Policy” is urgently needed to streamline inter- and intra-agency coordination, enhance transparency in licensing and institute robust social and environmental safeguards. Implementing these reforms will improve investor confidence, promote responsible resource development and help realize the full economic potential of Pakistan’s coal sector while ensuring long-term sustainability and socio-economic benefits.

This article examines the relationship between local political regimes and ecological resilience in coastal natural resource management in Indonesia. Using a multi-case qualitative research method, this study evaluates the performance of coastal management policies through interviews with BUMDs, field observations, and secondary data analysis in the form of environmental statistics. The findings suggest that stable governance and collaboration between sectors can increase adaptation capacity to coastal risks, such as rip and abrasion. Areas with high governance scores tend to have better ecological indicators, such as positive changes in mangroves and improved water quality. In contrast, regions with weak political coalitions show high fluctuations in ecological performance. The practical implications of this study are the importance of continuity of funding and coordination between regional apparatus and strengthening the role of BUMD in supporting evidence-based ecological adaptation policies. This research provides new insights into the mechanisms of strengthening coastal ecological resilience through local political and policy synergies.

ABSTRACT The contribution of stakeholder engagement to improving the social, economic, and ecological outcomes of natural resource governance depends upon who are involved, what their interests and opinions are, and what institutions they refer to. These factors, however, have seldom been investigated in the real large-scale projects, compromising our capacity to meaningfully inform practice with scientific insights. This paper aims to develop an understanding of stakeholder engagement within water governance in the Murray-Darling Basin by drawing on public comments (submissions) on the policy initiatives in the Basin from 2007 to 2021. We used the sentiment of the submissions to represent the stakeholders’ opinions, categorising them into dissatisfied, neutral, and satisfied. The sentiments were manually extracted and analysed in regard to the three themes: governance, socio-ecological benefits, and policy initiative implementation among the policy initiatives. Findings revealed 1) an unbalanced participation represented by the domination of agriculture/landownership and irrigation/water supply and a large difference among the policy initiatives; 2) an extremely negative opinion with a majority of themes exhibiting dissatisfaction; and 3) reference of previous water acts in support of their objections to the policy initiative mandated by the Water Act (2007). These findings indicate that stakeholder engagement in MDB was poorly implemented. Endeavours in a more collaborative approach are required.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the formation and evolution of dynamic capabilities (DCs) in heritage craft enterprises in ethnic villages. We analysed the formation process of DCs, identifying key driving factors, and constructing and simulating a dynamic system for DC formation (DSDCF). This study integrates a single case study with system dynamics methodologies, using a heritage craft enterprise in China as the case and employing data from first-hand and second-hand accounts. The findings reveal that the DCs' formation process evolves from perception-response to integration-utilisation and reconstruction-transformation. DSDCF is shaped by the coordinated interaction between organisational learning and knowledge-management subsystems. The key drivers of this system are government support, resource action, and innovation culture. This study provides a process-based explanation of DC formation and evolution in heritage craft enterprises in ethnic villages. In addition, it offers guidance for policymakers and practitioners.

Globally, non-teaching staff execute critical roles in the operations of universities, supporting mission, vision, research, and service to the community through performance. There is a notion that work obligations and personal and family duties flow over into one another, affecting employee performance. Kenyan public universities experience drops in productivity due to inadequate employee performance. Non-teaching employees’ support is to support access to quality education to contribute to positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes. Specifically, the study focused on establishing social support’s effects on performance using theories of spillover and social exchange with positivist research philosophy. The eight selected public universities were the unit of analysis. The study’s target population was 3538. Random stratified sampling techniques ascertained a sample size of 343 respondents. A descriptive andcross-sectionaln survey design was employed. The questionnaire and interview schedule were used as data instruments. A pilot test was done at the University of Eldoret. A Cronbach’s alpha tested the reliability of instruments. The validity of the interview schedule was tested with content analysis and expertjudgement.. Diagnostic tests were done before inferential statistics confirmed the variable violation. Data cleaning used SPSS27.0,0 and descriptive statistics were presented in frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation, content, and expertjudgementt analysis. Inferential statistics were presented in tables and graphs. The findings results revealed a strong significant association between social support and performance with a linearity of (0.212 > 0.05). Findings contribute information to public universities, government, and human resource practitioners to develop strategies and policies that promote performance. The research concluded and recommendedther development of related studies in the future.