CRAC-GRN, Niger

CRAC-GRN evolved out of the decentralisation process within SOS Sahel UK. It aims to help communities in the Sahélo-Soudanienne region adapt themselves to the inevitable changes in their socio-economic environment. It designs and implements projects which can be implemented and maintained by the government and local institutions, as well as adapted in other areas experiencing similar problems. CRAC-GRN is also an autonomous unit within SOS Sahel International Niger.

CRAC-GRN’s vision is that local populations actively manage the natural resources on which they depend in a rational, representative and equitable way in order to achieve greater livelihood security and combat poverty. It promotes decentralised natural resource management as one of the most effective methods of facilitating genuine, long-term development. It focuses on four key areas:

• Supporting processes that lead to decentralised natural resource management.
• Promoting participatory development processes.
• Promoting inclusion and valid representation of marginalised groups in decision-making processes concerning natural resource management.
• Promoting collaboration and negotiation as permanent and essential elements of natural resource management in the Sahel.

CRAC-GRN believes that the different interest groups that depend on natural resources (particularly common property resources) should be at the centre of decision-making over those resources. In accompanying this process, external facilitators such as CRAC-GRN need strong working principles and values. All CRAC-GRN’s work is based on the conviction that:

• Rational management of natural resources is primarily a social rather than a technical challenge.
• People have the right to be fully involved in the management of the resources on which they depend.
• People are capable of rational management if given a genuine opportunity to do so.

For more information about CRAC-GRN, please contact:

            CRAC-GRN
            BP 160
            Zinder
            Niger

            crac-grn@crac.grn.com
            www.crac-grn.com
            Tel: + 227 20 51 05 39
            Fax: + 227 20 51 01 93