The framework is a step-wise procedure to identify institutionalbarriers to mainstreaming Integrated Natural Resources Management (INRM) and aqualification of their impacts. This framework informs partner institutions ofthe methods of analysing institutional barriers to mainstreaming INRM intoagricultural research and development in the Eastern and Central Africa (ECA)sub-region. It was developed to be used as an input to the process ofmainstreaming INRM. The framework has sections dealing with methodology for itsdevelopment, the detailed framework (which consists of 11 steps), explanationof how to perform the steps, as well as its advantages and challenges. Theframework has a set of research tools for identifying the barriers. The stepsin the detailed framework include:

§  Categorize organizations

§  Establish innovativestrategies for engaging stakeholders

§  Training in the use of theframework

§  Selection/adaptation and useof research tools

§  Identify institutionalbarriers by applying the tools

§  Evaluate the significance ofthe barriers

§  Manage the barriers, and

§  Communicate to stakeholdersthe findings.

For ease of use, the framework has suggested a time duration foreach step. To ensure accuracy, the detailed framework has a number of feedbackloops. The framework was developed in 2010 in Kenya by KEFRI in collaborationwith KALRO, SARI, ANAFE and Excel HORT.

The ultimate beneficiaries of the framework include researchorganizations, educational organizations, public extension departments, NGOs,CBOs and private firms. While the framework has already undergone validationand is ready for up-scaling, it has not yet been released for public use.

Validation of the framework was done through a series of on-sitesequenced stakeholders’ workshops. The sequencing of the workshops enabled theframework to be sequentially improved from one workshop to another. Sitestakeholders’ workshops were held at Siaya and Makueni counties in Kenya, Mbalein Uganda and Arusha in Tanzania. The last workshop in Arusha provided thefinal improvement and validation of the framework. The associated researchtools were piloted in the six project sites. At least 20 respondents wereinterviewed per site. After each pilot activity, the site implementation teamreflected on the process of piloting the tools and made the necessaryadjustments. The project core team finally compiled the final research toolsbased on the experiences from each site. The tools were used in the followingstakeholders’ categories: research, development agents (Public and NGOs),colleges and universities and CBOs.

The framework is gender neutral and has potential to enhance mainstreaming of integrated natural resource management; Information should beutilized to develop appropriate institutional frameworks for natural resourcesmanagement

Framework does not necessarily require much investment besideschanging ways of doing business. 

Integrated Natural Resources Managementis key to sustainability and thus critical for livelihoods of all gendercategories, especially the youth and vulnerable groups in rural settings.

Collins Obonyo;

Scientist, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI);

P. O. Box 25199;

Kisumu, Kenya.

Tel: +254 57 351164, +254 57 351163

Email: collinsobonyo@yahoo.com

Charles Lyamchai;

Scientist, Selian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI);

P. O. Box 6024;

Arusha, Tanzania.

Tel +255-736500538/+255-736500580

Fax: +255 736500538

Mob: +255-754-278211

Email: lyamchai@yahoo.com; clyamchai@sari.co.tz

Anthony Esilaba;

Soil Scientist, Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research Organization(KALRO);

P. O. Box 57811-00200;

Nairobi, Kenya.

Tel: +254-722840853

Fax: +256-20-4183344

Email: aoesilaba@kalro.org 

Anke Weishiet;

Excell Hort Consults Limited;

P. O. Box 664;

Mbarara, Uganda.

Tel: +256-485-661103

Email: aweisheit@excelhort.com

Web: http://www.excelhort.com

Michael Odongo;

Rural Energy and Food Security Organization;

P. O. Box 751;

Busia, Kenya.

Tel: +254-722-688765

Mob: +254-736521828

Email: refso2002@yahoo.com

James Aucha;

African Network for Agriculture Agroforestry and Natural ResourceEducation (ANAFE);

P. O. Box 30677-00100 GPO;

Nairobi, Kenya.

Tel: +254-207224135

Fax: 254-20-7224001