Blog
This blog advocates a critical reflective approach to learning and practice. Whilst reviewing academic literature, policy documents and research artifacts etc, this space represents an attempt to overcome and de-mystify some of the complexities uncovered and realised as part of the learning process; as a first step towards developing a deeper understanding of some of the issues, challenges, ideas and practices related to the complex field of sustainable development.
In addition, and most importantly it creates a platform for bridging research and practice - sharing ideas and experiences!
The role of NGOs in Forest Governance
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- Category: Bridging Research and Practice
- Created on Wednesday, 21 September 2011 09:51
There are many sucessful examples of good practice in Natural Resource Management and International NGOs play a significant role in many aspects. I am interested to learn the different perspectives here. My own opinion is that their main role should be in facilitation and support and capacity building. The main concerns I have through my own experiences are that pilot projects can deliver a lot of good work and reach the most marginalized (although in my experience very few) but when the funding and project ends - it is what happens afterwards that counts and that is not captured or measured in anyway. The major challenge is building in strategies for sustainbility and developing more creatives ways to achieve this.
No commentsMore Ideas on Good Governance
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- Category: Bridging Research and Practice
- Created on Wednesday, 24 August 2011 17:18
I am revisiting an earlier discussion one which I have been learning more about over the last couple of weeks. It is about what "good governance" really is all about. Over the last few days I have written various posts on several groups via the professional networking site Linked In, and posed this very question. The answers have been varied but interesting all the same. What is evident is that there are many stock answers, but few are able to provide anything that could be translated into practical examples.
Governance and the idea of "good governance" does appear on the outset to be complex and chaotic however, I think this is what makes it dynamic and overall is its greatest strength.
It is when you examine examples within a local context; perhaps specific issues or aspects of governance can be justifiably simplified in order to draw out practical outcomes. This idea became further apparent from a recent interview experience for my current research. It appeared from the perspective of people working on the ground - "good governance" could be interpreted in terms such as respect and fairness. However, in other situations or contexts this maybe expressed or articulated as ' balancing power relations effectively' or even about 'transparency and addressing corruption'. I think what I am discovering is that it will always be articulated differently in different contexts.
What is clear though, is that social or livelihood challenges are forever changing therefore so will the interpretation on "good governance" so in whatever manner it is articulated – the focus should be on listening and working together for practical solutions.
Good Governance - What does it really mean?
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- Category: Forest Governance and Natural Resource Management
- Created on Wednesday, 17 August 2011 15:30
I am reflecting here about what "good governance" really means? As part of my research I am focusing on what constitutes good governance and looking for real life experiences and examples of this in practice. I am first thinking about this in the broadest sense and also in the context of natural resource management and forests.
On starting this, it seems there are many stock answers to these bold questions and the term seems to be thrown around, often oversimplified, and the complexities overlooked. Common characteristics talked about and frequently cited include: participation, accountability and transparency - but are these the only features? And how does this link to sustainable development, which is a dynamic concept in its own right?
I will revisit this later, but in the meantime please send me your comments and views.
My New Project - Forest Governance in Tanzania
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- Category: Forest Governance and Natural Resource Management
- Created on Wednesday, 13 July 2011 17:26
Examining Past, Present and Future Approaches
My current work is a new area of interest, and is focused on natural resource management specifically forest sector governance mechanisms and developments in the United Republic of Tanzania.
Writing About My Own Personal Learning and the Value Of Critical Reflective Practice
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- Category: Blog
- Created on Monday, 16 May 2011 18:27
Personal Reflcetions on Learning
During the last few years I have been on an overwhelming personal learning journey, which has greatly affected the way I currently live my life: through prompting me to re-evaluate my personal values, commitments, interests and motivations.
