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- Convenors:
-
Olaiwola Ogunpaimo
(University of Galway)
Oyinlola Ogunpaimo (Teagasc Irish Development Authority)
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- Format:
- Paper panel
- Stream:
- Methods - research, participation and practice
Short Abstract:
This panel examines crisis management as a transformative opportunity for (re)shaping development pathways. By exploring adaptive governance and community empowerment strategies, we aim to uncover how effective crisis responses can redefine traditional development paradigms.
Description:
Crises, while disruptive and often devastating, can also serve as critical junctures that challenge existing systems and stimulate innovative approaches to development. Through diverse contexts and case studies, this panel explores how adaptive governance, characterised by proactive, inclusive, and responsive decision-making processes, can effectively navigate the complexities of crises to ensure an equitable and sustainable future.
The panel advances on the limitations of traditional development models, primarily dominated by top-down approaches, and proposes alternative frameworks grounded in equitable and context-sensitive strategies. We prioritise papers highlighting the roles of crisis management in promoting UN SDGs 11, 16, and 17, ensuring that responses are not only reactive but also forward-looking to addressing the root causes of vulnerability and fostering long-term change. By examining the significance of adaptive governance, empowerment, and crisis response intersections, this panel aims to contribute to international debate and offer suggestions on how effective crisis management, through a stakeholder theoretical lens, can be employed to reimagine development pathways.
Therefore, we invite presentations from academics and non-teaching professionals to contribute papers that advance understanding of community empowerment and adaptive governance as veritable tools that leverage grassroots knowledge and resources to drive recovery and development. Following the conference, we aim to foster a collaborative exchange to propose actionable solutions for each unique context, advancing development in ways responsive to immediate challenges and long-term needs.
Accepted papers:
Session 1Paper short abstract:
This study explores the role of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in sustainable landscape management. It examines the differential access to landscape resources, levels of agency and capability and social norms among women, men, youth, PWDs, and migrants in Doma-Rutu landscape, Nigeria.
Paper long abstract:
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) is crucial for sustainable landscape management, yet its empirical assessment is limited, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa’s landscapes. This study assesses GESI in landscape management within the Doma-Rutu landscape in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative analysis, this study examines differential access to landscape resources, agency and capability, and social norms and customs among five social groups within the agricultural landscape. Results reveal significant disparities among the social groups, as PWDs, women, migrants, and youth face considerable challenges in fully participating in landscape management, relative to men. Key barriers identified include limited access to resources, particularly land, male dominance in landscape governance, and exclusionary social norms that hinder participation in decision-making processes. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance inclusivity in the landscape. The study recommends establishing mechanisms for equitable representation of all social groups in landscape governance, redesigning agricultural extension service delivery for greater inclusiveness, and implementing community advocacy initiatives to transform exclusionary social norms.
Paper short abstract:
This paper examines adaptive governance and stakeholder empowerment in Owode-Yewa, Nigeria, where inclusivity has fostered peaceful coexistence amidst smuggling-related crises. The study analyzes crisis management strategies and their adaptability for achieving sustainable peace in the world.
Paper long abstract:
In a world characterized by overzealousness, complex ideas, and diverse religious beliefs, crises of various forms are inevitable. This underscores the need for realistic, coordinated, and strategic efforts to achieve sustainable outcomes. Addressing such challenges requires inclusive and adaptable governance frameworks capable of fostering proactive and pragmatic solutions for peaceful coexistence at all levels.
This paper examines Owode-Yewa, a community in Ogun State, Nigeria, as a case study to explore how the intersections of adaptive governance and the empowerment of local stakeholders can promote inclusivity and societal safety. Owode-Yewa, located near the border with the Republic of Benin, is a community where the majority of inhabitants rely on smuggling as their primary means of livelihood. Over the years, the area has experienced recurring crises stemming from clashes between smugglers and Nigerian customs officials. These conflicts were often triggered by the overzealousness of smugglers attempting to import unauthorized goods into Nigeria, which invariably met with strong resistance from customs authorities.
Analysts have often attributed these crises to the government’s failure to engage community members in decision-making, particularly concerning issues that directly impact their lives and properties. Recognizing this gap, the government adopted a collaborative approach by engaging local stakeholders as change agents. This strategy has been instrumental in fostering lasting peace and coexistence in Owode-Yewa.
While the approach used in Owode-Yewa is context-specific, this paper aims to analyze the crisis management strategies employed and discuss their potential adaptability for achieving sustainable and peaceful coexistence in other settings.
Paper short abstract:
This paper explores challenges and opportunities in using community empowerment and inclusive governance to reshape development in South-East Nigeria. Through case studies, it highlights strategies that integrate adaptive governance to overcome barriers, fostering equitable, sustainable growth.
Paper long abstract:
This paper explores the challenges and opportunities of utilizing community empowerment and an inclusive government-for-all approach to transform developmental paradigms in South-East Nigeria. The region faces a complex array of challenges, including governance deficits, economic inequalities, and environmental vulnerabilities. To address these issues, the study emphasizes the integration of community-led initiatives and adaptive governance strategies to foster equitable and sustainable development.Drawing on detailed case studies, the paper highlights successful examples of progress driven by local knowledge, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. These cases reveal how empowering communities to participate in decision-making processes actively can help bridge the gap between policy and implementation. By aligning governmental efforts with the needs and aspirations of local populations, an inclusive governance model can facilitate trust-building and cooperation, essential components for sustained progress.The paper also examines systemic barriers, such as resource mismanagement and weak institutional frameworks, which hinder regional development. It identifies actionable strategies for overcoming these barriers, including enhancing transparency, promoting grassroots participation, and fostering innovation through adaptive governance practices.The paper concludes by highlighting the transformative potential of combining community empowerment with an inclusive, adaptive governance approach. It argues that this synergy can reshape developmental pathways in Southeast Nigeria, paving the way for resilience, equity, and sustainable growth across the region.
Paper short abstract:
Examine the intersection of socio-economic factors and community engagement in household adaptation strategies to water shortages in Ibadan, Nigeria. Integrate local governance dynamics and participatory approaches, identify effective, culturally relevant solutions that enhance against scarcity.
Paper long abstract:
This study investigates the adaptation strategies employed by households and communities in Ibadan, Nigeria, in response to the persistent challenge of water scarcity. As urbanization and climate change exacerbate water shortages, understanding local coping mechanisms becomes critical for sustainable development. The research highlights how socio-economic factors, community engagement, and governance structures influence the effectiveness of these strategies. Preliminary findings indicate that households utilize a range of approaches, including water storage, borehole drilling, and community sharing, to mitigate the impacts of water scarcity. However, disparities in access to resources significantly affect the ability of low-income households to implement these strategies effectively. Furthermore, the study examines the psychological and health implications of inadequate water access, particularly among vulnerable populations, emphasizing the need for comprehensive water management policies. By integrating local knowledge and participatory governance, the research aims to contribute to the development of resilient communities capable of navigating the uncertainties posed by water scarcity. Ultimately, this work seeks to inform policymakers and stakeholders about the critical intersection of water management, community resilience, and sustainable development in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.
Paper short abstract:
This paper examines how Multi-Stakeholder Platforms advance adaptive governance and community empowerment during crises through Gender Equality and Social Inclusion advocacy. It interrogates structural inequalities like power imbalances and tokenistic participation, driving equity-driven development
Paper long abstract:
Crises and uncertainties have disrupted traditional development paradigms, opening avenues to explore inclusive and equitable approaches. Multi-Stakeholder Platforms (MSPs) provide a framework for adaptive governance by enabling diverse actors to collaboratively address systemic inequalities and reimagine development pathways. This paper examines MSPs' potential to address entrenched disparities, redistribute resources equitably, and amplify grassroots voices in decision-making. Structural issues like power asymmetries, tokenistic representation, and participation barriers for women, youth, and marginalised groups are analysed.
Using the Solidaridad Tea and Coffee program in Uganda and Kenya as a case study, the paper highlights MSPs’ successes and challenges. In these contexts, MSPs facilitate inclusive decision-making processes that empower smallholder farmers and enhance local governance. Despite challenges in achieving equitable participation, MSPs create neutral spaces for dialogue among farmers, policymakers, and private sector actors.
The analysis underscores MSPs' role in balancing economic growth with social equity and sustainable resource management. It argues for embedding GESI principles into governance structures, capacity-building for marginalised groups, and fostering participatory frameworks. By leveraging grassroots knowledge and fostering stakeholder trust, MSPs can transition from symbolic forums to engines of empowerment, aligning with UN SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This reimagining of MSP design and implementation is essential for reshaping development pathways and ensuring equity-driven progress in the twenty-first century.
Paper short abstract:
This study explores how women’s social capital contributed to their empowerment through the Saemaul projects in rural Rwanda. Although women’s empowerment was not a goal, the projects led to women-driven community development, exemplifying bottom-up, emergent governance entirely led by women.
Paper long abstract:
As social capital has become a part of the poverty alleviation in international development cooperation, the unique value of women's informal networks, solidarity, and mutual assistance—especially within the feminization of labor in developing countries—has often been overlooked. This study explores how women’s social capital has contributed to their empowerment through the Saemaul projects in four rural Rwandan communities, using qualitative methods based on field visits and in-depth interviews. Through the Saemaul projects, these communities were lifted out of the lowest income bracket, with over 90% of residents escaping poverty. While women’s empowerment was not an explicit project goal, a key outcome was women-led community development initiatives. Saemaul volunteers, living in the field, abandoned standardized project plans and adapted initiatives to address women’s urgent needs. Motivated by the desire to “keep their children fed,” women actively participated in the projects, often more than men. This marked the first time women—previously isolated after the genocide—engaged in meaningful decision-making processes and formal economic activities. Critically, the Saemaul projects redefined women, who had historically been excluded from the public sphere, as "modern individuals" and pivotal agents of community development. One notable example was the rice cultivation project. Rather than imposing modern Korean farming methods, the project adopted a proactive, responsive, and inclusive approach tailored to Rwanda’s grassroots knowledge. Remarkably, women established a kindergarten to facilitate their participation in farming, taking charge of all aspects of the initiative, including securing funding, hiring teachers, and designing programs.This initiative showcased bottom-up, emergent governance led entirely by women.
Paper short abstract:
The study was to determine the extent the community and vulnerable groups’ empowerment contributed to the CSDP service delivery effect on improved access to social and natural resources infrastructure services in Anambra State, Nigeria. It was anchored on Service Quality Theory - Gap Analysis
Paper long abstract:
The study was to determine the extent the community and vulnerable groups’ empowerment contributed to Community and Social Development Project service delivery effect on improved access to social and natural resources infrastructure services in Anambra State, Nigeria. It was anchored mainly on Service Quality Theory - Gap Analysis. A mixed method of quantitative and qualitative survey methods were used to collect data. For quantitative data collection, structured questionnaire were administered on 396 out of 400 simple randomly sampled respondents while for qualitative data collection, 10 purposively sampled key technical facilitators of CSDP were reached with structured in-depth interview guide and 3 focused group discussions sessions with beneficiary communities and vulnerable groups was held. Independent variable was Community and vulnerable groups’ empowerment, the intervening variable was CSDP Service delivery and the dependent variable was Improved Access to Social and Natural Resources Infrastructure Services. Data was analyzed using frequency and percentages and ordinal logistic regression. The findings revealed that for H0: p < 0.001, that there was a positive and significant contributions of community and vulnerable groups’ empowerment to CSDP service delivery effect on improved access to social and natural resources infrastructure services in Anambra State, Nigeria. Key recommendation is that the contributions of Community and Vulnerable Groups’ empowerment, to improved access to social and natural infrastructure services should be consolidated and sustained.
Paper short abstract:
Community Forestry (CF) in Gabon empowers local communities via Village Associations (VAs) to manage forests sustainably. This research examines, VAs’ governance, barriers like financial constraints, difficulties working with other stakeholders, and successes in participatory governance.
Paper long abstract:
Community Forestry (CF), introduced in Gabonese law in 2001, remains underexplored in practice. It serves as a mechanism for recognizing local communities’ forest management rights, promoting sustainable development, and alleviating poverty. Legally, village associations (VAs) represent communities, granting them customary usage rights over portions of rural forest estates.
This research investigates, using a mixed methods approach, the role of VAs in managing CFs as a strategy for adaptive governance and community empowerment in West Central Africa. Data was collected in collaboration with community mobilizers from a Non-Governmental Organization combating illegal wildlife trafficking, through mixed data collection tools: a series of interviews with VA leaders and a survey for the local communities in 11 villages in Gabon implementing CF systems.
The study examines governance frameworks, internal management systems, and stakeholder relationships to identify barriers to effective local development. Key challenges include financial constraints, leadership conflicts, inequities in stakeholder engagement, and underrepresentation of marginalized groups. However, successes such as women-led cooperatives in NGOUNIE province demonstrate the potential of community-driven projects and sustainable resource management, particularly in initiating income-generating activities.
This research emphasizes the transformative potential of empowering communities to reshape development pathways through participatory governance, ensuring both environmental sustainability and social equity. It also highlights the dual nature of such organizational modes, where modern frameworks often replicate traditional power dynamics, limiting representation for vulnerable groups; in addition to the challenges of negotiating and working directly with larger and better resourced stakeholders, such as private sector companies.