Title:	Evaluating trust and shared group identities in emergent social learning processes in the Zambezi river basin
Authors:	Lumosi, Caroline Pahl-Wostl, Claudia Scholz, Geeske
ORCID of the author:	https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4640-8760 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2294-6521 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2357-2410
Abstract:	Social learning in natural resource management is considered important for addressing complex problems by supporting multi-stakeholder interactions in problem framing and co-construction of solutions. Despite the considerable progress in the social learning discourse, few scholars have empirically examined relational features in social learning interactions. Relational features such as trust and shared group identities are important for supporting engagement and interaction among actors. This study analyzed emergent social learning processes in transboundary river basin cooperation processes in the Zambezi basin. To do this, data was conducted through in-depth interviews with diverse actors, observations of participatory workshops, and review of documents on transboundary cooperation processes in the Zambezi basin. The study evaluated how trust and shared group identities shaped learning spaces (opportunities for interaction, deliberation and reframing) and in turn impacted transboundary river basin cooperation. The study found that trust and shared group identities had a crucial impact on learning spaces and in turn impacted transboundary river basin cooperation in the Zambezi basin. The results suggest that leveraging on trust and shared group identities can play a critical role in stimulating cooperation processes. However, it is not a guarantee for cooperation. This study highlights that structural-learning spaces such as institutions support the development of binding commitments and enduring shared practices. However, success of such institutionalization is strongly influenced by the prior development of trust and a shared social identity.
Citations:	Lumosi, C.K., Pahl-Wostl, C. & Scholz, G. Evaluating trust and shared group identities in emergent social learning processes in the Zambezi river basin. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 7, 172 (2020).
URL:	https://osnadocs.ub.uni-osnabrueck.de/handle/urn:nbn:de:gbv:700-202106034885
Subject Keywords:	Environmental studies; Geography; Sociology
Issue Date:	9-Dec-2020
License name:	Attribution 4.0 International
License url:	http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Type of publication:	Einzelbeitrag in einer wissenschaftlichen Zeitschrift [article]
Appears in Collections:	FB06 - Hochschulschriften Open-Access-Publikationsfonds

This item is licensed under a Creative Commons License