Abstract
Natural resource governance in Nigeria has long been marked by corruption, mismanagement, and the marginalization of certain groups. In this article, I offer insights into the challenges and opportunities for building a more just and sustainable natural resource governance in Nigeria. Through an intersectional lens, I examine the importance of inclusive and participatory decision-making, addressing systemic inequalities, ensuring transparency and accountability, adopting a holistic and integrated approach, and building strong partnerships and collaborations. By considering the intersecting identities and systems of oppression that shape the experiences and opportunities of different groups, I argue that an intersectional approach is essential for building a more equitable and sustainable natural resource governance in Nigeria.
An Intersectional Approach to Natural Resource Governance.
Natural resource governance in Nigeria has long been a contentious issue, with a history of corruption, mismanagement, and failure to adequately address the needs and rights of marginalized communities. An intersectional approach, which recognizes and addresses the intersecting identities and systems of oppression that shape the experiences and opportunities of different groups, is essential for building more just and effective natural resource governance in Nigeria.
An intersectional approach to natural resource governance recognizes that people's experiences and opportunities are shaped by a complex interplay of identities and systems of oppression, such as race, gender, class, ethnicity, religion, and other social and cultural factors. This means that certain groups may be disproportionately affected by resource extraction and use, and may face barriers to participating in decision-making processes. By recognizing and addressing these intersecting identities and systems of oppression, natural resource governance can be more inclusive, equitable, and effective.
For example, indigenous and rural communities may be disproportionately impacted by resource extraction and development projects and may lack the resources and influence to advocate for their rights and interests. An intersectional approach would recognize the unique challenges and needs of these communities and would provide opportunities for them to have a meaningful say in the management and use of natural resources in their areas. This could involve mechanisms such as community-based natural resource management, which empowers local communities to take an active role in decision-making and benefit from the resources in their area.
Similarly, women and other marginalized groups may face barriers to participating in natural resource decision-making due to religious, social, cultural, and economic factors. An intersectional approach would recognize and address these barriers and would adopt policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion, such as affirmative action measures, land reform programs, and gender-responsive budgeting.
Steps to Strengthening An Intersectional Approach to Natural Resource Governance.
To strengthen an intersectional approach to natural resource governance in Nigeria, there are several key steps that can be taken.
First, it is important to ensure that decision-making processes are inclusive and participatory. This means providing opportunities for marginalized communities, particularly indigenous and rural communities, to have a meaningful say in the management and use of natural resources in their areas. This can be achieved through mechanisms such as community-based natural resource management, which empowers local communities to take an active role in the decision-making process and benefit from the resources in their area.
Second, it is necessary to address the systemic inequalities that have historically disadvantaged certain groups, including women, ethnic and racial minorities, and those living in poverty. This can involve adopting policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion, such as affirmative action measures, land reform programs, and gender-responsive budgeting. It is also important to address the root causes of these inequalities, such as discriminatory laws, policies, and social norms, and to engage in ongoing efforts to dismantle systems of oppression.
Third, it is essential to ensure that natural resource governance is transparent and accountable. This means establishing clear rules and regulations for resource extraction, allocation, and use, and ensuring that these are implemented and enforced in a fair and consistent manner. It also means providing opportunities for civil society and other stakeholders to engage in the decision-making process and hold decision-makers accountable for their actions.
Fourth, it is important to adopt a holistic and integrated approach to natural resource governance that recognizes the interconnectedness of different resources and the multiple impacts of resource use on people and the environment. This means considering the impacts of resource extraction and use on social, economic, and environmental systems, and adopting strategies that aim to minimize negative impacts and maximize benefits for all stakeholders.
Fifth, it is essential to build strong partnerships and collaborations between different actors, including government, civil society, academia, and the private sector. By working together, these actors can share knowledge and expertise, leverage resources and influence, and build consensus and support for more just and effective natural resource governance.
Countries with Strong Intersectional Approach to Natural Resource Governance.
There are several countries that have implemented strong intersectional approaches to natural resource governance. Here are a few examples:
Norway: Norway has a well-established system of natural resource governance that aims to balance economic, social, and environmental considerations. The country has a long history of community-based natural resource management, which empowers local communities to have a say in the management and use of natural resources in their areas. Norway also has strong policies and regulations in place to ensure that natural resource extraction and use is transparent and accountable and that the rights and interests of marginalized groups, including indigenous communities, are protected.
Costa Rica: Costa Rica is known for its strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. The country has implemented a number of policies and programs to promote inclusive and participatory natural resource governance, including community-based natural resource management, participatory planning and budgeting, and environmental education programs. Costa Rica also has a strong system of environmental law and regulation, which includes provisions to protect the rights and interests of marginalized groups, such as indigenous communities and small farmers.
South Africa: South Africa has a history of racial and social inequality, and has taken a number of steps to address these issues in the natural resource sector. The country has implemented land reform programs to address historical land dispossession and promote land tenure security for small-scale farmers and rural communities. South Africa also has strong policies and regulations in place to ensure that natural resource extraction and use are transparent and accountable and that the rights and interests of marginalized groups are protected.
Ecuador: Ecuador has a long history of indigenous resistance to resource extraction and development projects that have threatened their lands and communities. In response, the country has implemented a number of policies and programs to promote inclusive and participatory natural resource governance, including community-based natural resource management, participatory planning and budgeting, and the recognition of indigenous rights in the country's constitution. Ecuador has also adopted a number of innovative legal and policy instruments, such as the Rights of Nature, which recognize the intrinsic value of nature and the rights of ecosystems to exist, thrive, and regenerate.
Kenya: Kenya has a strong tradition of community-based natural resource management, which has been instrumental in conserving the country's rich biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. The country has also implemented a number of policies and programs to promote gender equality and the participation of women in natural resource decision-making, including the establishment of women's groups and the implementation of gender-responsive budgeting.
Morocco: Morocco has implemented a number of policies and programs to promote inclusive and participatory natural resource governance, including community-based natural resource management and participatory planning and budgeting. The country has also adopted a number of innovative legal and policy instruments, such as the Right to Information Law and the National Human Rights Council, which promote transparency and accountability in the natural resource sector.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an intersectional approach to natural resource governance in Nigeria is critical for addressing the complex and interconnected challenges facing the country. By promoting inclusive and participatory decision-making, addressing systemic inequalities, ensuring transparency and accountability, adopting a holistic and integrated approach, and building strong partnerships and collaborations, it is possible to build a more just and sustainable future for all Nigerians.
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