Protected areas management: A comparison of perceived outcomes associated with different co-management types

Abstract While it has been established that co-management outcomes vary based on the forms, processes and rules of co-management types, studies on co-management have focused on the processes and conditions necessary for co-management instead of critically assessing how and why different co-management arrangements result in different outcomes. Using the socio-ecological systems framework as an analytical tool, the study examines the extent to which actors' perceptions of co-management outcomes vary as a result of different co-management types and the factors accounting for such variations. The study employs focused group discussions with resource groups within the study communities and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders including local chiefs, NGOs and managers of the Mole National Park (MNP) in data collection. Results indicate that co-management arrangements involving key stakeholders but spearheaded by managers of the MNP results primarily in positive institutional outcomes whereas co-management arrangements that devolve natural resource management to local communities results in positive socio-economic, institutional and ecological outcomes. Key variables responsible for variations in perceived outcomes include the degree of power devolved to local people to manage resources, the governance structures including means of rules creation and enforcement and the extent to which co-management provides economic incentives to local people. The theoretical constructs on which the study is based provides a basis for inferences beyond this case study as it provides a general overview of variables that influence differences in co-management outcomes.