Deconstructing REDD+ Implementation: Power Relations, Discourse and Gender Inclusion in the Bale Eco Region, Ethiopia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2024-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The imperative to combat climate change has catalyzed the development of innovative institutional frameworks, with REDD+ emerging as a prominent global initiative aimed at incentivizing sustainable forest management. This study delves into the intricate REDD+ institutionalization, stakeholder engagement, discourse and gender perspectives within Ethiopia’s Bale eco-region, a crucial focal point of international climate policy. The study used text documents, socio metric survey, interviews and Focus group discussion with project actors and participants. Snowball and purposeful sampling was employed to recruit participants for the study. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 22 institutions to take part in the socio metric survey. Depth interviews were conducted with 92 key informants who represented a variety of stakeholder groups, including small-scale farmers, NGOs representatives, REDD+ expert, government officials, community leaders, academics, practitioners, and policymakers. In addition, 4 four focus group discussions, 2 in each village were conducted. The study employs a policy arrangement approach (PAA) and discursive institutionalism (DI), Social Network analysis, discourse analysis and it also makes use of Agrawal’s insight analytical framework and involvement typology to analyze the data. (PAA) and (DI) were used to analyze the complex frameworks influencing the project’s institutionalization processes. While SNA looks at power dynamics and interactions between actors, the qualitative framework allows for a comprehensive evaluation of actor participation. The social network data was analyzed using an open source software called NodeXL. In addition, discourse analysis serves as the methodological lens, unraveling the narratives and environmental discourse that shape REDD+ implementation. Agrawal’s insight analytical framework and involvement typology was used to explore gender disparities and barriers to women’s involvement in the project engagement. The analysis captures the intricacy of REDD+ and their practical implications. Our study sheds light on multifaceted challenges persisting within REDD+ institutionalization despite progress made in formulating strategies. In addition, our study delves into the complex discourse surrounding REDD+ implementation, highlighting divergent perspectives among stakeholders, including promoters, moderators, and opponents. While promoters envision REDD+ as a transformative solution to climate change, opponents express concerns about potential negative effects and advocate for systemic changes. Actor participation and power dynamics within the Bale ecoregion’s REDD+ project emerge as focal points of our inquiry. The study findings unveil the intricate web of actors contributing to national strategies, funding, and capacity building, while also revealing disparities in local community involvement and decision-making. Moreover, the exploration of gender inclusions within REDD+ development interventions underscores the importance of gender equity and inclusivity in achieving broader environmental and social goals. To sum up, our study provides critical insights into the challenges and opportunities within REDD+ implementation, emphasizing the importance of inclusive decision-making processes, This necessitates a shift towards more decentralized and participatory governance structures that empower local communities, particularly women, to have greater control over forest management decisions and benefit-sharing mechanisms. Strengthening local institutions, promoting transparency and accountability, and integrating REDD+ with existing local governance systems are crucial steps towards achieving this. By fostering local ownership, enhancing environmental integrity, and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits, a more robust and sustainable REDD+ institutional framework can be established in the Bale eco-region.
Description
Keywords
Institutionalization, Discourse, Gender, Actors participation, Power relations