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The
Natural Resources Systems
Programme is one of ten research programmes funded
by UK's Department for International Development (DFID) under
the Rural
Natural Resources Research Strategy 1995-2006. NRSP is
managed by HTS Ltd. It funds, manages and promotes research
aimed generating benefits for poor people by the application
of new knowledge to natural resource (NR) systems. This will
be achieved through delivering new knowledge that can enable
poor people who are largely dependent on the NR base to improve
their livelihoods.
The central
focus of knowledge generation is on changes in the management
of the NR base that can enhance the livelihood assets of the
poor over a relatively long timeframe, thus providing greater
livelihood security and opportunities for advancement of poor
individuals, households or communities.
Integrated
management of natural resources is central to the research.
The term 'integrated management' defines not only the adoption
of a holistic view of the NR base (landforms, soil, water,
vegetation and organic residues) but also appreciates the
integrated and dynamic nature of people's livelihood strategies
and how these affect their decision-making and capacity to
use and manage the NR base.
Studies of the livelihoods of the poor and their interaction
with other (less poor) sections of society are an important
part of NRSP's research. They are a means of understanding
what changes in the management of natural resources are feasible
and how poor people's adoption of, or response to, these changes
could assist them to secure and build their livelihoods.
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