Community-based approaches are used to address natural resource problems, or opportunities, requiring action at community level or involving the management of shared resources. In such cases, linked analysis of natural, social and human capital is essential. NRI staff working on livelihoods and institutions have a particular interest in the analysis and strengthening of social capital and community relations, and in the development of appropriate institutional arrangements for management of land, forest, water resources, fisheries and wildlife. Three examples are given below.

• NRI is co-ordinating a major new research project on water resource management for rural water supply. This Water, Households and Rural Livelihoods Project, funded by DFID, is working with institutions in areas of severe water scarcity in South Africa and India to address the water resource problems, using watershed development and integrated catchment management programmes as an entry point (more information).
• An NRI staff member has been working with the NGO 'Farm Africa' to support community-based natural resource management in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. In collaboration with local agencies, the project is working with families from 10 communities in the former Transkei homelands to optimize community management for increased food production and income. A main objective is to increase the self-determination of these communities, by enhancing their capacity for planning and decision-making.
• We are introducing a livelihoods dimension to research on the bush meat trade in West Africa. This has previously been analysed simply as a wildlife-conservation or resource-exploitation issue. The new approach seeks to understand the trade from the perspective of the different stakeholders and in the context of their broader livelihood strategies. The research will be used as a basis for engaging with the stakeholders to negotiate issues of regulation and sustainable management.