“Missing” power features in the Actor-Centered-Power framework: Systematic review and empirical insights from Central Africa's Dja and Faro Landscapes

Abstract

Since its introduction about a decade ago, the Actor-Centered-Power (ACP) theoretical approach has been applied to analyze power manifestations and outcomes – particularly in forest resource management. This approach emphasized three power features, namely, coercion, (dis)incentives and dominant information. After a decade of empirical validation, it is imperative to take stock of its application while reflecting on potential “missing power features” in the ACP. In this paper, we propose four “missing power features” in the ACP theoretical approach. These include social cohesion (the societal glue), geography (landscape remoteness), process (the switch in the roles of potentates and subordinates in the same transaction), and convictions (narratives that steer an us-versus-them discourse). A fifth overarching missing element is time – here we argue that all power features in the ACP have a temporal dimension. The paper draws from theoretical reflections in other power studies, and a systematic review of 61 empirical literature on power in forest management institutions. To verify empirical trends from the systematic reviews through a contemporary example, qualitative data generated through the interview of key informants (n = 51), experts (n = 12), and focus group discussions (n = 10) from two cases in Central Africa is provided. Analysis of articles selected through systematic reviews and own empirical data allows us to draw the following conclusions: Firstly, 88 % of the reviewed papers captured the four missing power features with social cohesion and geographical remoteness dominating the literature (67 %). Secondly, empirical insights from the two cases in Central Africa confirmed the recurrence of social cohesion linked to ties with forest-related livelihood strategies, and geographical remoteness which enhances insecurity. Thirdly, conservation interventions are also shaped by the power and potency of process, indicating a role switch between the potentate and subordinate within the same transaction, and convictions linked to people's heritage. While process, social cohesion and convictions presents a useful opportunity for an actor-cum-institutions theoretical framework, geography elucidates the scale dimension which should be clarified. We suggest the incorporation of these power features with time standing as an overarching power feature.