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Using networks

Knowledge management and natural resources in Africa: perspectives from two networks

Goals, uses, and limitations of knowledge management and natural resource management in Africa

Authors: A. van der Heijden; T. Pryor; L. Soeftestad
Publisher: Community of Practice, Knowledge Management for International Development, KM4DEV, 2006

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This article compares the experience of two knowledge management (KM) and natural resource management (NRM) networks in Africa, supported and facilitated by the Community-Based Natural Resource Management Network (CBNRM Net) and FRAME. This comparison is made from the perspective of users, project coordinators and donors.

Some findings and recommendations outlined in the paper include:

  • networks cannot do the job of KM alone – all serious stakeholder involved in development cooperation have to do KM
  • an integrated bundle of KM tools, comprising of e.g. ICTs, workshops and training, and other context specific tools should be used
  • one goal with KM in Africa is to support and advance public consultation with citizens, through increased transparency, participation, inclusion and decentralisation
  • regional integration of knowledge for NRM should be supported. Regional integration and learning however can be difficult due to different ecosystems and management systems and to different cultural, legal and institutional realities
  • a high level of knowledge integration requires a ‘network of networks’ that can provide resources and advise to local and regional networks.