The paper presents and discusses the dimensions of the integration of genetic improvement research and natural resource management research (integrated NRM) paradigm. It illustrates the discussions with examples drawn from the agenda which the International Research Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) has been developing. First the concepts of natural capital and ecosystem hierarchies are discussed as they form the backbone of the theoretical framework of the proposed agenda. The principal components of the agenda are discussed and illustrated using example from agroforestry research. In the last section the main differences between this new NRM paradigm and the more traditional genetic improvement paradigm are highlighted; and the dimensions of this agenda which are still unresolved are identified.
Tag: capital
Analysis of Informal Microfinance Institutions Structures in Relation to Performance in Tharaka South Subcounty, Kenya
Informal microfinance is the delivery of financial services mainly to low income people outside the regulation of the monetary authority. Despite their importance in development, no studies have undertaken a detailed analysis of structures and performance in informal microfinance institutions. This study aims to analyze structures and performance in informal microfinance institutions in Tharaka South Sub County. It uses descriptive study design and multi stage sampling design. Data analysis was done using thematic, descriptive and Kendall’s tau-b correlation analysis. An informal microfinance performance index was developed using inductive and hierarchical approaches. The study found the informal microfinance institutions are marked by high performance which is determined by their structures. Moreover, the study deduced that informal microfinance is a key policy strategy for poverty alleviation, financial inclusion, gender equity and resilience building since participants mainly include women and other vulnerable groups.
The role of social capital of Riau women farmer groups in building collective action for tropical peatland restoration
Collective action is important when the activities and costs of restoration cannot all be internalized by the government or when urgent maintenance is required beyond the scope of the restoration project. Collective action can be influenced by social capital. In this study, we examine components of social capital and the factors that affect them. Using key informant interview, household survey, and participant observation, we also identify the extent to which social capital is related to collective action. We found that women farmer groups have high social capital, which has led to strong collective action. Social capital in Dompas’ women groups is characterized by the norms of trust and reciprocity. Strong trust and reciprocity are driven by shared culture and values and supported by kinship. Social capital arises from and is reflected in the interactions between individuals in the group. It is naturally embedded within the community, supported by strong motivation and commitment, primarily to improve the family welfare. The social capital established influenced and drove collective action, which contributes to successful management of the women farmer groups’ action arena. This paper highlights the evidence of social capital and its relation to collective action in a case from restoration in the Global South. We suggest that for a restoration action to successfully mobilize voluntary, active participation from the community, the intervention should be designed with an emphasis on establishing social capital.