The Politics of Land and Natural Resources Training Course

The Politics of Land and Natural Resources Training Course

Introduction

The Politics of Land and Natural Resources training course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex socio-political and economic forces that shape the governance and management of natural resources globally. This program delves into the intricate web of land tenure, resource governance, and environmental policy that defines a nation's development trajectory. It moves beyond technical or scientific approaches to address the critical human dimensions, including power dynamics, conflict resolution, and community rights in the context of resource utilization. Participants will gain the strategic insights and practical skills needed to navigate challenges like land grabbing, the resource curse, and the climate crisis, empowering them to drive sustainable, equitable, and just outcomes for both people and the planet.

This course is essential for professionals seeking to influence policy and practice in a world where competition for scarce resources is intensifying. It explores how political institutions, legal frameworks, and socio-economic inequalities impact resource access, control, and benefit-sharing. By analyzing real-world case studies from diverse regions, the training equips participants with the ability to critically assess governance systems, promote inclusive decision-making, and build multi-stakeholder partnerships. Ultimately, the program aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders capable of fostering resilient governance systems that can effectively manage natural assets, mitigate risks, and promote long-term environmental sustainability and social well-being.

Course Duration

 5 days

Course Objectives 

1. Analyze the geopolitical dynamics of natural resource conflicts and their impact on global security.
2. Evaluate the role of legal frameworks and land tenure systems in promoting or hindering equitable resource access.
3. Develop strategic frameworks for climate-resilient governance of land and natural assets.
4. Assess the socio-economic impacts of extractive industries and their implications for community development.
5. Master techniques for stakeholder engagement and participatory governance in resource management projects.
6. Formulate effective policies to combat land degradation and promote sustainable land use planning.
7. Deconstruct the concept of the "resource curse" and its influence on political stability and economic development.
8. Apply conflict resolution and mediation skills to manage disputes over land and water resources.
9. Promote gender-responsive and socially inclusive approaches to environmental policymaking.
10. Utilize geospatial data and GIS mapping for evidence-based natural resource monitoring and planning.
11. Identify and mitigate risks associated with illegal logging and biodiversity loss within a political context.
12. Implement accountability mechanisms to ensure corporate social responsibility and regulatory compliance.
13. Strengthen institutional capacity for transparent and adaptive natural resource governance.

Target Audience 

1. Government Officials: Ministry and agency staff in departments related to land, environment, mining, and agriculture.
2. NGO and Civil Society Leaders: Program managers, advocates, and researchers from environmental, human rights, and development organizations.
3. Corporate Managers: Professionals in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability from extractive and land-intensive industries.
4. Development Practitioners: Staff from international development agencies, UN bodies, and aid organizations.
5. Legal and Policy Advisors: Lawyers, paralegals, and consultants specializing in environmental and land law.
6. Academics and Researchers: University lecturers, researchers, and students in political science, geography, and environmental studies.
7. Community Leaders: Representatives of Indigenous peoples and local communities.
8. Journalists and Media Professionals: Reporters covering environmental, political, and development stories.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Land and Resource Politics

• Understanding Political Ecology: Explore the power relations that shape human-environment interactions.
• Historical Legacies: Analyze the impact of colonialism and historical land dispossession on contemporary governance.
• Land Tenure Systems: Differentiate between statutory, customary, and communal land rights.
• The Resource Curse: Unpack the paradox of resource-rich countries experiencing poor development outcomes.
• Case Study: The Niger Delta, Nigeria: Examining the political and environmental consequences of oil extraction on local communities and the rise of conflict.

Module 2: Governing Natural Resources in a Changing Climate

• Climate Change and Land: Investigate how climate change drives resource scarcity and migration.
• Climate Governance: Examine international and national policies for climate-resilient resource management.
• REDD+ and Carbon Markets: Evaluate the politics of forest conservation and carbon credit schemes.
• Adaptive Governance: Learn strategies for building flexible governance systems to respond to environmental change.
• Case Study: Forest governance in the Amazon: A look at the political struggles between conservation efforts, Indigenous rights, and agribusiness in the face of global climate commitments.

Module 3: Conflict, Power, and Human Rights

• Resource Conflicts: Identify the root causes of conflicts over land, water, and minerals.
• Conflict-Sensitive Development: Learn how to design projects that do not exacerbate existing tensions.
• Human Rights and Land: Analyze the relationship between land rights and human rights, including Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
• Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue: Master techniques for facilitating inclusive and constructive negotiations.
• Case Study: Land and water disputes in the Mekong River Basin: Analyze the role of mega-dams and cross-border politics in affecting local livelihoods and regional stability.

Module 4: Extractive Industries and Corporate Accountability

• The Political Economy of Extraction: Understand the relationship between governments and multinational corporations.
• Social and Environmental Impacts: Assess the negative externalities of mining and oil operations on local communities and ecosystems.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Critique and evaluate the effectiveness of CSR initiatives.
• Regulatory Frameworks: Examine international and national laws designed to govern extractive industries.
• Case Study: The lithium rush in the "Lithium Triangle" (Chile, Bolivia, Argentina): Investigate the socio-environmental impacts and political debates over the extraction of this critical mineral for the global green economy.

Module 5: Land Use Planning and Urbanization

• Urban Land Politics: Explore the political forces driving rapid urbanization and informal settlements.
• Integrated Land-Use Planning: Learn methods for balancing competing demands for land in urban and rural areas.
• Food Systems and Agriculture: Analyze the politics of land for food production and large-scale agricultural investments.
• Peri-Urban Dynamics: Understand the unique governance challenges at the intersection of urban and rural land use.
• Case Study: Urban expansion and land conflicts in Nairobi, Kenya: Examine the governance failures and power struggles over land for housing, infrastructure, and green spaces.

Module 6: Water Governance and Security

• The Politics of Water: Understand why water is a source of both cooperation and conflict.
• Transboundary Water Governance: Explore the challenges and opportunities of managing water resources that cross political borders.
• Water Privatization: Analyze the political debates and social impacts of commercializing water services.
• Water Justice: Examine issues of equitable water access and distribution.
• Case Study: The Nile River Basin: A deep dive into the political tensions and diplomatic efforts between countries sharing the Nile over dam construction and water allocation.

Module 7: The Role of Technology and Data

• Geospatial Technology: Learn how to use GIS and remote sensing for land monitoring and resource mapping.
• Data Politics: Discuss the power dynamics involved in data collection, ownership, and access in natural resource management.
• Digital Land Registry: Evaluate the political and social implications of digitizing land records.
• Digital Tools for Activism: Explore how communities and NGOs use technology to advocate for their rights.
• Case Study: Use of satellite imagery to monitor illegal logging in the Amazon and its role in informing global policy and enforcement actions.

Module 8: Advocacy and Policy Reform

• Policy Analysis: Develop skills to critically analyze and reform land and environmental policies.
• Lobbying and Advocacy: Learn effective strategies for influencing policymakers and public opinion.
• Coalition Building: Understand how to form and manage multi-stakeholder alliances for change.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Design frameworks to assess the impact of policy and advocacy efforts.
• Case Study: A global campaign against land grabbing: An analysis of the strategies and challenges faced by NGOs and community groups in advocating for international land rights guidelines and policies.

Training Methodology

• Interactive Lectures and Seminars: Providing foundational knowledge and expert insights.
• Case Studies and Role-Playing: Applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
• Group Discussions and Collaborative Projects: Fostering peer-to-peer learning and networking.
• Guest Speakers: Featuring leading policymakers and healthcare experts.
• Policy Brief Writing Workshops: Developing practical communication skills.
• Mentorship: Opportunities for one-on-one guidance from instructors.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.