@article{fdi:010096285,
  title = {{T}he hidden side of the co-production of small-scale fishery policy instruments in {M}adagascar},
  author = {{R}azafimalala, {N}. and {Q}ueste, {J}. and {R}azanakoto, {T}. and {R}abemananjara, {Z}. {H}. and {L}{\'e}opold, {M}arc},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{T}he participation of stakeholders in the design of fisheries policy instruments has emerged worldwide as good governance practice. {T}heir participation is expected to ensure that policies are context-specific, address local needs and ecological realities, and foster effective fishery management. {W}e used an interdisciplinary perspective from policy science, institutional economics, and sociology to challenge this common view in least developed countries through a case study of mud crab export small-scale fisheries in {M}adagascar. {I}n 2021-2023, we conducted semi-structured interviews with representatives of local communities, the fishing sector, environmental non-governmental organizations, research, and administrations to study the co-production process of policy instruments regulating fishing and market activities. {T}he results showed that non-state stakeholders' participation was effective during the design, early development, and implementation phases of instrument production although local communities contributed less than other influencing stakeholders (non-governmental organizations, experts, and exporting companies) due to power asymmetries. {H}owever, the final content of most policy instruments was determined with limited participation while the decision-making process remained under the control of the central fisheries administration. {T}he paper highlights the visible and hidden aspects of apparent inclusive governance of the fisheries. {T}o develop sustainable and actionable solutions to wicked resource use problems in small-scale fisheries, efforts should extend beyond opportunistic consultation to ensure meaningful contribution of local and other non-state actors to decision-making through transparent institutions.},
  keywords = {{D}ecision-making ; {G}overnance ; {M}ud crab ; {N}on-governmental organization ; {P}articipation ; {S}takeholder engagement ; {MADAGASCAR}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{M}arine {P}olicy},
  volume = {186},
  numero = {},
  pages = {107048 [10 p.]},
  ISSN = {0308-597{X}},
  year = {2026},
  DOI = {10.1016/j.marpol.2026.107048},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010096285},
}