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Paper short abstract:

We unravel divergencies of narratives about social-ecological system in Mongu district, Zambia from the perspective of range of actors. We argue that social-ecological knowledge co-production is essential for bridging the diverse understanding of these complex realities that underpin sustainability.

Paper long abstract:

We critically reflect on results of participatory systems mapping of the social-ecological system in Mongu district, Zambia – key target area of the Czech development cooperation (CDC). Specifically, we explore plurality of perspectives on values, rulesm and knowledge emerging in the narratives about the social-ecological linkages, that exist among three actor groups and that directly underpin sustainability: (1) CDC actors based in Czechia, (2) CDC actors originating from and based in Zambia, and (3) local actors in the Mongu district, spanning from local citizens and experts to representatives of customary and statutory governance.

The results show that there is shared understanding of elementary social-ecological linkages across all types of actors. However, narratives about specific interactions between society and nature diverge and represent a diverse understanding of the complex web of challenges, opportunities and perceived solutions existing within the social-ecological system. Specifically, we illustrate that narratives about social-ecological realities differ along several dichotomies, among others, between international development actors and local actors, and between local actors with different levels of power and expertise. In particular, we identify mismatches in narratives of different actors that reflect on the role of customary and statutory governance processes in Mongu district, the understanding of the notion and role of the community, and role of values, rules, and knowledge related to sustainable livelihoods. Therefore, it is essential to bridge diverging narratives by knowledge co-production processes, that creates an opportunity window for unraveling and embracing multiple perspectives on the links between society and nature that underpin sustainability.