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Complementarity, rivalry and substitution in the governance of forests: Learning from independent forest monitoring system in Cameroon

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  • Mbzibain, Aurelian
  • Ongolo, Symphorien

Abstract

The consequence of state controlled forestry in Cameroon has been the overexploitation of forest resources often in conflict with local forest dependent communities and state conservation objectives. The failure of state controlled forestry to achieve sustainable forest management has led to the emergence of new network like arrangements amongst which is independent forest monitoring (IFM) by civil society. The aim of this paper is to scrutinize the factors which affect the effectiveness of IFM governance network in Cameroon. Our research focused on a case study of Cameroon, employing a governance network perspective. The main findings are that national civil society in Cameroon is playing a significant role in improving transparency in the forest sector and holding decision makers to account. The paper finds a shift from technical areas of forest monitoring to the monitoring of social obligations and the respect of community rights by private companies. An analysis of actors highlights a strong network of national NGOs with self-defined goals and strategies engaged in very fluid relationships with law enforcement agencies beyond traditional ministries of forests and wildlife characterised by a spectrum ranging from complementarity, substitution and rivalry. The lack of sustainable funding and weak capabilities of national NGOs to navigate these fluid relationships emerges as core constraints for network effectiveness. Accordingly, recommendations for effectiveness entail strategies for sustainable funding, capacity strengthening and network coordination to address current weaknesses but also to build trust and credibility of the governance network.

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  • Mbzibain, Aurelian & Ongolo, Symphorien, 2019. "Complementarity, rivalry and substitution in the governance of forests: Learning from independent forest monitoring system in Cameroon," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:forpol:v:109:y:2019:i:c:s138993411830532x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.forpol.2019.101981
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Karsenty, Alain & Ongolo, Symphorien, 2012. "Can “fragile states” decide to reduce their deforestation? The inappropriate use of the theory of incentives with respect to the REDD mechanism," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 18(C), pages 38-45.
    2. Beland Lindahl, Karin & Sandström, Camilla & Sténs, Anna, 2017. "Alternative pathways to sustainability? Comparing forest governance models," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 69-78.
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    5. García-Nieto, Ana P. & García-Llorente, Marina & Iniesta-Arandia, Irene & Martín-López, Berta, 2013. "Mapping forest ecosystem services: From providing units to beneficiaries," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 4(C), pages 126-138.
    6. Byron, Neil & Arnold, Michael, 1999. "What Futures for the People of the Tropical Forests?," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 27(5), pages 789-805, May.
    7. Derick W. Brinkerhoff, 1999. "State‐Civil Society Networks For Policy Implementation In Developing Countries1," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol. 16(1), pages 123-147, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tomas Gabriel Bas & Jacques Gagnon & Philippe Gagnon & Angela Contreras, 2022. "Analysis of Agro Alternatives to Boost Cameroon’s Socio-Environmental Resilience, Sustainable Development, and Conservation of Native Forests," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-28, July.
    2. Mbzibain, Aurelian & Tchoudjen, Teodyl Nkuintchua, 2021. "NGO-state relations in the monitoring of illegal forest logging and wildlife trafficking in Central Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).

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