INTRODUCTION

Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) is an approach that involves local
communities in the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources within their own
areas. It emphasizes community participation, collaboration, and empowerment to ensure the
responsible use of resources, environmental conservation, and socio economic benefits for the local
population.

Community based natural resources management (CBNRM) plays a crucial role in fostering rural
development and reducing poverty by empowering local communities to sustainably manage and
benefit from their natural resources.

Community based natural resources management contribute to rural development and poverty
reduction through the followings÷

1-empowers local communities

2-Livelihood Diversification

3-Environmental Conservation

4-Community Ownership and control

5-Social Cohesion and Equity

6-Capacity Building

7-Policy Advocacy

1-EMPOWERS LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Community based natural resources management empowers local communities by involving them in
decision making processes regarding the management of natural resources. This involvement ensures
that the communities traditional knowledge and needs are taken into account, leading to more
sustainable and equitable resource use.

2-LIVELIHOOD DIVERSIFICATION ÷by actively participating in the management of natural resources,

communities can diversify their livelihoods. For example, sustainable forestry practices, eco-tourism, or
community based fisheries can provide alternative sources of income, reducing dependence on a single
economic activity and enhancing resilience to economic shocks.
3-ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION÷Community based natural resources management promotes
sustainable and eco friendly resource management practices. This helps in conserving biodiversity,
protecting ecosystems, and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. A healthy environment, in
turn, contributes to the long term wellbeing of communities.

4-COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL ÷When communities have ownership and control over their
natural resources, it reduces the likelihood of exploitation by external entities. This ensures that the
benefits generated from these resources stay within the community, contributing to local economic
development.

5-SOCIAL COHESION AND EQUITY ÷ Community based natural resources management fosters social
cohesion within communities as they work together towards common goals,by ensuring that the
benefits are distributed equitably, it helps reduce social inequalities, contributing to poverty reduction.

6-CAPACITY BUILDING : Implementing community based natural resources management often involves
capacity building initiatives. Training community members in sustainable resource management
practices, business skills, and environmental conservation enhances their ability to make informed
decisions and effectively manage their resources for longterm benefits.

7-POLICY ADVOCACY: Successful initiatives can serve as models for policy advocacy at higher levels.
Communities, when organized and empowered, can advocate for policies that support sustainable
resource management and rural development.

SUMMARY

Community based natural resources management (CBNRM) is instrumental in rural development and
poverty reduction. It empowers local communities in decision making, leading to sustainable resource
use. Fosters livelihood diversification, environmental conservation, and social cohesion. Community
ownership ensures equitable benefit distribution, while capacity building and policy advocacy contribute
to long term success, making community based natural resources management holistic approach to
enhance rural well being.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Community based natural resources management (CBNRM) provides a holistic approach
to rural development by integrating environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social equity. By
placing communities at the center of natural resource management, it addresses the root causes of
poverty and contributes to the overall well-being of rural areas.

REFERENCE

1.Stephen R. Tyler (2006) Communities livelihoods and natural resources

2.IGad secretariat (2004) Community Based Natural Resource Management in the IGAD Region

3.Brian Child & Deborah Wojcik (2014) Developing capacity for community Governance of natural
resources theory and practice