Generating Aboriginal Livelihoods through Land Management
–Yuendumu case study
The research
Karissa is investigating the relationship between natural and
cultural resource management activities and Aboriginal livelihood
outcomes in desert Australia. Specifically, the research asks, can
natural and cultural resource management activities generate
sustainable Warlpiri livelihoods?
To answer this overall question, this research has four
subsidiary aims. These include:
1. To establish the desired livelihood
outcomes of Warlpiri people
2. To assess the current level of natural and
cultural resource management activity in the Warlpiri region
3. To understand the relationship between
Warlpiri engagement in natural and cultural resource management and
livelihood outcomes
4. To analyse the institutional structures and on
ground processes required to support the generation of livelihood
outcomes through natural and cultural resource management.
Case study: Yuendumu
This research is based on a case study of natural and cultural
resource management in the Warlpiri region. Field work is
being conducted primarily at Yuendumu, a remote Warlpiri-speaking
community 300 km north-west of Alice Springs. The research has
developed from Yuendumu community members’ aspirations and
involves Warlpiri people at each stage of the research.
Why this research?
Over the past few decades, natural and cultural resource
management has emerged as an important livelihood strategy for
remote Aboriginal settlements.
Research from northern Australia suggests that, in addition to
environmental benefits, Aboriginal engagement in these activities
improves livelihood outcomes. Livelihood outcomes here
include, health and well-being, social cohesion and economic
development. Despite increased awareness of the link between
improved livelihood outcomes and natural and cultural resource
management, there are few case studies examining this relationship
in desert Australia. This research project helps to address
this information gap.
Expected Outcomes
The research will:
• Provide a desert case study of the
relationship between livelihood outcomes and natural and cultural
resource management
• Inform principles for the design and
implementation of systems that deliver livelihoods (health,
wellbeing, income) through natural and cultural resource
management.
• Improve cross cultural understanding
regarding aspirations and perceptions of natural and cultural
resource management.
• Have immediate and direct community
benefits through employment, training, and capacity building of
research assistants.
Participants
This research involves members of the Yuendumu community of all
ages, including traditional owners and community leaders, as well
as the following organizations:
• WYN (Warlpiri Yuendumu, Nyirripi)
Health Service
• Mt Theo – Yuendumu Substance Misuse
Aboriginal Corporation
• Yuendumu Willowra Community Government
Council
• Warlpiri Media Association
• The Warlpiri Ranger Group
• The Australian Government Department of
Environment Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA)
• The Australian Department of Education,
Employment and Workplace Relations
Research Links
Factsheet:
Livelihoods through land management: strategies and structures for
success in desert Australia.
