Improving Community-level Governance: Adaptive Learning and Action in Community Forest User Groups in Nepal

Abstract

Abstract:It is widely believed that Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E) can help community organisations improve their internal learning and governance. However, the processes of programme monitoring and evaluation as practised by many organisations lack the elements of community participation and ownership and the appreciation of its contribution to community learning. Wider lessons on participatory development demonstrate that only locallyinitiated and community-led monitoring can improve communities' performance and change their institutional practices. Drawing on the recent experience of Livelihoods and Forestry Programme (LFP), this paper makes the case for community-generated planning, selfmonitoring and evaluation for adaptive learning and good governance in Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) in Nepal. These processes, conceptualised as Adaptive Learning and Action (ALA), have enabled CFUGs to identify their vision, formulate activities to achieve the vision, and regularly monitor the progress against the identified indicators. The process has also enhanced transparency, participation and accountability in CFUG governance.

Community Forestry in Nepal

“…As a result of improvement in governance practices, changes in governance outcomes included more equitable benefit sharing; enhanced transparency, participation, and accountability; and improved pro-poor resource management practices (Luintel, Bhatterai, and Ojha 2006;Shrestha et al 2009). Many of these innovations came in response to the emergence of second generation issues in the mid-1990s, and were facilitated by national NGOs, often with technical support from international organizations and bilateral donor projects.…”

Community Development Education: Examining Students’ Video-Based Case Analysis on Community Issues, Indigenous Ethnic Protection and Empowerment

“…This is also indicated by the student-participants (S8; S8; S31; S29; S30). Adaptive capacity embodied community capacity to learn something (Maguire & Cartwright, 2008;Newman, 2013;Rodríguez et al, 2018;Shrestha et al, 2009 Cartwright, 2008).…”