Rural Forest Management in Sierra Leone: The Role of Economic (In)Equality in Facilitating Collective Action

Abstract

While significant theoretical developments have been made in the research on common pool resources, heterogeneity remains a contested issue. Focusing on economic inequality, one particular aspect of heterogeneity, we examine its impact in facilitating cooperation in two rural forest communities in Sierra Leone. The findings reinforce prevalent ambiguities in the literature: in the context of economic inequality cooperation was thriving, while in the setting of uniform poverty cooperation was largely absent. Though further research is imperative, the key recommendation is that policies directed towards rural communities should take into account their ability to craft robust self-governing systems.

A framework for application of the landscape approach to forest conservation and restoration in Sierra Leone

“…In this regard, a key challenge that must be addressed is land and tree tenure security (Rahman et al, 2017;Arvola et al, 2020), as this will empower communities to self-organize for implementing such long-term solutions. According to Wangel and Blomkvist (2013), communities in Sierra Leone even under the most difficult of circumstances, "are capable of self-governance and collective action to further their economic interests as well as sustaining the common pool resource." Ultimately, Sierra Leone will need to create landscapes that work for wildlife and for people who depend on agricultural land use.…”

Cultivating Political Capabilities Among Ugandan Smallholders: Good Governance or Popular Organisation Building?

“…Drivers of organisational solidarity in the literature include shared identity on the basis of livelihood, ethnicity or gender, for example (Kabeer et al, 2010;Agarwal, 2010); savings-based finance (Kabeer et al, 2010;Agarwal, 2010); the cohesive effect of a shared external oppressor, including state-based marginalisation (Thorp et al, 2005); and having a federated structure which is also key to influencing state and market actors at multiple levels (Kabeer et al, 2010;Agarwal, 2010). The comparative effects of homogeneity or heterogeneity on collective action has, however, been the subject of recent debate (Mukherji, 2013;Wangel and Blomkvist, 2013).…”

Greece’s Forest Sector from the Perspective of Timber Production: Evolution or Decline?

“…Consequently, the forest sector is crucial in generating employment opportunities, especially in rural areas where alternative job prospects are often limited [10][11][12]. Activities such as forest management [13][14][15], logging operations [16], forest restoration, and related endeavors [17][18][19] not only have the potential to create jobs but also to enhance livelihoods and contribute to the growth of local economies.…”