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This paper was prepared as a Background Paper for Chapter 2 of the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s 2009 Rural Poverty Report. It begins by providing an overview discussion of the diversity of natural resources in developing countries, and rights of access, tenure and governance relevant to the rural poor, who are disproportionately dependent on natural resources. We then discuss four key challenges to enhancing assess and sustainable management of natural resources: (i) expanding access to natural resources to increase incomes and improve welfare; (ii) increasing security of access to natural resources, in the context of changing institutional and market conditions; (iii) improving sustainable management of natural resources, including improved resource quality; and (iv) enabling the poor to take advantage of evolving markets, including markets for environmental services. In each case, applications to agricultural land, water, forests and fisheries are elaborated. Finally, we examine five case studies that demonstrate successful approaches to sustainable natural resource management: expanding access to land (South Africa), increasing security of access and sustainable management of forests (Bolivia), supporting locally-driven sustainable management of watersheds (India), improving security of access and sustainable management of fisheries (Samoa), and enabling the poor to access the global carbon market (Mexico). We conclude with key lessons learned and their implications for management and policy.
