Two Sides of the Same Coin: Formal and Informal Institutional Synergy in a Case Study of Wildlife Governance in Ghana

Yeboah‐Assiamah, Emmanuel; Müller, Kobus; Domfeh, Kwame Ameyaw

doi:10.1080/08941920.2019.1647320

Cited by 9 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Regarding the identification and categorization of ECIs, the results indicate that in both study sites, maledominated institutions exist, with a largely perennial nature. In parts of West Africa, studies showed that endogenous cultural institutions are largely male dominated (Osei-Tutu et al, 2014;Yeboah-Assiamah et al, 2019). The perennial attribute of endogenous cultural institutions does not necessarily imply effectiveness.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Institutions-defined as the humanly devised constraints that shape behavior and actions (protected area management in this case), continue to attract significant research interest (Kaimowitz & Angelsen, 1998;North, 1990). It will arguably continue to do so in the decades ahead (Kimengsi et al, 2021a, b;Osei-Tutu et al, 2014;Yeboah-Assiamah et al, 2019). Institutions could be viewed from several lenses: For instance, based on formality, formal institutions encompass written and codified laws, largely driven by national governments, while informal ones relate to unwritten or uncodified rules that are communicated through beliefs, customs and traditions, over generations (Osei-Tutu, 2017;Osei-Tutu et al, 2015;Yeboah-Assiamah et al, 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Spatio-temporal analysis of the ‘last vestiges’ of endogenous cultural institutions: implications for Cameroon’s protected areas

2021

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The theoretical link between endogenous cultural institutions (ECIs) and the regulation of natural resource access and use in sub-Saharan Africa is re-gaining its position in theory and practice. This is partly explained by growing resource use inefficiency, linked to predominantly exogenous, centralized institutions. The current situation has rekindled interest to understand what is left of ECIs that can support natural resource use and management in several natural resource contexts, including protected areas. To provide answers to these questions, in-depth studies with a geographic orientation are required. Put succinctly, a spaio-temporal evidence base of ECIs around protected areas is relevant in today’s dispensation. Such evidence is required for rich natural resource and culturally diverse settings such as Cameroon—having over 250 ethnic groups. This paper explores space time dynamics of ECIs around two of Cameroon’s protected areas—Santchou and Bakossi landscapes. Specifically we: (i) identified and categorized ECIs linked to protected area management, (ii) analyzed their spatio-temporal dynamics and discuss their implications for protected area management. The study is informed by key informant interviews (N = 22) and focus group discussions (N = 6). Using descriptive statistics, the key resources around these protected areas were categorized. Furthermore, narratives and thematic analysis constituted the key element of qualitative analysis. In addition, an analysis of the spatial distribution of ECIs was conducted. Based on our analysis, we derived the following conclusions: (1) Institutions that assume an endogenous cultural nature in some communities potentially exhibit an exogenous origin with a perennial nature; while some ECIs may assume ephemeral to intermittent nature, despite being culturally embedded in communities. (2) While present day ECIs regulate the use of natural resources around protected areas, they were not initially set up for this purpose. (3) Even within the same ethnic group, ECIs exhibit spatio-temporal variations. The results suggest the need for Cameroon’s on-going revision of the legal framework to emphasize context-specific elements of ECI which could leverage protected area management.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatio-temporal analysis of the ‘last vestiges’ of endogenous cultural institutions: implications for Cameroon’s protected areas

2021

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“…1). These typologies of institutions interact to moderate the behavior of resource users and managers (actors) (Yeboah-Assiamah et al 2019), hence shaping the outcomes of the resources management (for this case, FLR) (Fig. 1).…”

Section: Analytical Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Outcomes of Forest Landscape Restoration Shaped by Endogenous or Exogenous Actors and Institutions? A Systematic Review on Sub-Saharan Africa

Owusu

Kimengsi

Gießen

2023

Environmental Management

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Although ambitious, forest landscape restoration (FLR) is still very high on global climate change mitigation and adaptation research and policy agendas. The scientific literature highlights the importance of institutions and actors’ collaboration for achieving the intended outcomes. Despite these diffuse indications, a comprehensive understanding of the role played by different types of actors and institutions in shaping FLR outcomes is missing. This hinders the definition of an actor-cum-institutions research agenda for FLR, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Yet, in this region, different actors with diverse interests shape FLR practices. Likewise, formal and informal institutions are known to collide frequently. Hence, this paper addresses the lacunae by systematically reviewing FLR actors’ interests and power manifestations and the typologies of institutions linked to FLR outcomes in SSA. The review further defines future research agendas on actors and institutions in SSA. The following lessons can be drawn from the review of 75 peer-reviewed journal articles: First, while exogenous actors are interested more in the ecological benefits of FLR, endogenous actors are interested in economic ones. Second, exogenous actors mostly use (dis-)incentives and coercion to shape the behavior of endogenous actors in FLR. Finally, while the exogenous formal institutional typology produces positive and negative ecological, economic, political, and sociocultural FLR outcomes, the endogenous formal and informal institutions produce only positive outcomes. Future studies should identify actors’ compliance levels of the exogenous and endogenous formal and informal typologies of institutions. Future studies should also analyze the effectiveness of FLR-linked institutions towards ensuring successful FLR.

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“…A growing body of studies on mining has posited that instituting a formal system of rules could pose constraints to some groups and individuals while favoring others (Yeboah-Assiamah et al, 2019, Yeboah-Assiamah et al, 2017. In other words, formal rules at times pose stringent barriers to entry which may exist for smaller-scale miners, with property application fees and technical requirements only within the reach of larger-scale miners (Siwale & Siwale, 2017).…”

Section: Theoretical Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustaining the Environment in an Era of Small-Scale Mining in Ghana: Optimizing the Role of Institutions

Kokofu¹,

Sarfo-Adu²,

Dadebo³

et al. 2022

IJGS

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The study aimed at assessing the common constraints that affect the enforcement of small-scale mining laws and regulations which have created a vacuum for illegal operators to infiltrate the space with the associated environmental and social cost implications. Underpinned by the institutional theory, the study analyzes from existing theoretical and empirical studies to assess why institutions and agencies on artisanal and small-scale mining find it difficult to clamp down on illegal gold extractive activities. Retrospective literature analysis was the main method employed by the study. A synthesis from the review suggests that key challenges revolve around poor allocation of resources, poor collaboration among multiple levels and sectors, protection rackets by powerful beings in society, connivance of some traditional authorities and members, poverty, green squeezing, and cumbersome nature of ASM licensing process in Ghana. The study contends on the one hand that laws, policies, and regulations are only as good as their enforcement; whilst on the other hand, enforcement is only as good as the laws and regulations formulated in the first place. The study discusses five policy suggestions that will go a long way to help enforcement of ASM policies and institutions in Ghana.

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Two Sides of the Same Coin: Formal and Informal Institutional Synergy in a Case Study of Wildlife Governance in Ghana

Cited by 9 publications

References 36 publications

Spatio-temporal analysis of the ‘last vestiges’ of endogenous cultural institutions: implications for Cameroon’s protected areas

Spatio-temporal analysis of the ‘last vestiges’ of endogenous cultural institutions: implications for Cameroon’s protected areas

Outcomes of Forest Landscape Restoration Shaped by Endogenous or Exogenous Actors and Institutions? A Systematic Review on Sub-Saharan Africa

Sustaining the Environment in an Era of Small-Scale Mining in Ghana: Optimizing the Role of Institutions

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