Expanding Community Rights Over Natural Resources

Overview

Ford Commits $85 Million to Climate Solutions

The goal of this work is to improve the livelihood of rural poor through increased access to, and decision making on, natural resources.

The Challenge

Many of the world's poorest families live in rural areas that are not conducive to commercial agriculture. These households depend heavily on forests, grasslands, marginal farmland and other natural resources for their livelihoods.

In developing countries, these communities have gained ownership rights or secure access to nearly 25 percent of the total forest area. However, their access is often restricted by private interests and the failure of governments to develop policies that address their unique needs and potential.

Indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities and women are disproportionately affected by these restrictions.

What We're Doing

We support the development of improved natural resource policies and programs that offer poor and marginalized groups more access and ownership over natural resources, along with greater influence in decision making on land-use planning and development.

To advance these goals, we partner at the global, national and regional levels with:

Think tanks
Grassroots organizations
Governments
Advocacy groups
Universities
Private companies

Learn more about how our strategies and approaches shape our grant making.

From the Newsroom

In the Headlines: Sustainable Development Director on Putting People First Worldwatch Institute blogs two-part in-depth interview with David Kaimowitz
News from Ford: Ford Foundation Commits $85 Million to Advance Rural Land Rights and Reduce Climate Change Five-year program aims to empower rural communities in developing countries whose livelihoods depend on natural resources
In the Headlines: Letter to the Editor: On Natural Resource Stewardship Ford Foundation Director of Sustainable Development responds to recent New York Times article