Theoretical debates and analytical framework

Chapter in ARCHIV 127335 - Rebuilding common property management : a case study of community-based natural resource management in rural Guizhou, ChinaThis thesis is about how CBNRM is understood and practised in rural Guizhou by a variety of social actors. We reflect on the questions of who are involved in CBNRM, in what ways, and in what ways relationships are forged (or not) that make CBNRM happen? What have been the outcomes of CBNRM practice? What efforts are made to institutionalize CBNRM? What are the factors that affect CBNRM scaling up? In previous chapters, we have presented the general background of China’s transformation from a central-planned economy to a market-oriented economy. We have also discussed the emerging issues of natural resource management in rural China. Chapter 2 introduced the GAAS team and the CBNRM research implementation process in Guizhou. This chapter explores selected theoretical debates concerning community-based natural resource management and collective action for commonpool resource management. It then provides a rationale for considering these collective actions as they occur in practice, as institutions. We also address why and how their performance is affected and conditioned. Finally, the role of a change agency in promoting CBNRM - central in our efforts - is theoretically explored