Analysis of discrepancies between the national and local levels in relation to the management of climate change in Mali.
Abstract
In Mali, analysis of the discrepancies between the national and the local level in the policy area related to climate change questions the issue of the inclusion of local community concerns (in the rural case) in these policies. It also calls into question the interactions between actors and the effects of the policy on the reality and practices of actors. It appears that many policy documents and standards have been produced and dedicated institutions have been put in place at national level in the fight against climate change. However, on the ground, a gap still exists between the reality of national measures and practices at the local level in relation to the implementation of these policies. The interventions at the local level are not always consistent with the contents of official documents which are also often poorly understood locally. Problems with the coherence of interventions even exist among state actors, as well as other actors (traditional authorities, technical services, communities, and civil society organizations). The central government, according to local actors, does not to take steps to avoid discrepancies. Moreover, it remains undisputed that the provisions are not always harmonized to allow for implementation at local level of national measures. Taking better account of social, economic and cultural concerns at the local level in the definition of national standards could offer more opportunities to reduce the differences observed.