Legal Tools for Citizen Empowerment: Getting a better deal for natural resource investment in Africa - Highlights and lessons learned (2006-2009)

The “Legal Tools for Citizen Empowerment” programme is an initiative that through action research, capacity building, exchange of experience and policy advocacy strengthens local voice and benefit in natural resource investment in Africa.

There is still little systematic evidence linking greater legal awareness to better governance and livelihoods. This calls for empirical research and effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in operational programmes. Two and a half years into its pilot phase, “Legal tools” is too young to offer answers. Yet the programme is starting to generate a body of ideas, approaches and partnerships, which could be usefully shared.

This highlights note takes stock of preliminary lessons from the prorgramme and embodies a framework for next steps.