ABSTRACT

This study applies Parag and Janda’s ‘middle-out’ analytical perspective as a complementing alternative to the dichotomous options of top-down vs. bottom-up strategies of environmental management. It further develops the framework by applying it to a new context of land management and environmental change. Using a case study approach, we explore influences from middle actors, utilizing qualitative empirical evidence and incorporating responses across 25 households and 11 key actors in one Central Kalimantan, Indonesia village. We demonstrate middle actors’ unique capabilities and their criticality to affect change due to their influence across various levels of decision-making and commons governance. We posit that existing frameworks may misidentify the ‘bottom’ and ‘middle,’ raising questions about traditional development and livelihood discourse, strategies, and support. Recommendations include that current policy preconceptions be reevaluated to engage middle actors in locally adapted, integrative manners to improve governance and rural development.

摘要

这项研究运用了Parag和Janda的“中间”分析观点，作为环境管理的自上而下与自下而上的二元选择的补充选择。它通过将其应用于土地管理和环境变化的新环境来进一步发展该框架。我们采用案例研究的方法，利用定性的经验证据，探索中间角色的影响，并在印度尼西亚加里曼丹中部一个村庄的25个家庭和11个主要角色中纳入反馈。我们展示了中间角色的独特能力及其因影响决策和公地治理各个层面而受到影响的重要性。我们认为，现有的框架可能会错误地识别“底层”和“中间”，从而引发有关传统发展和民生话语的问题，策略和支持。建议包括，重新评估当前的政策先入之见，以使中间角色以适应当地情况的综合方式参与进来，以改善治理和农村发展。