Learning to Lobby: Civil Society Networks in Mali

This article examines two civil society networks—CNOP and GDRN5—involved in natural resource policy advocacy and policy formulation in Mali, after the initiation of democratic reform in 1991. Focusing on their influence on Mali's forest code, pastoral charter, and agricultural law, the article shows how the networks learned to engage the policy process, particularly policy formulation and adoption. The cases illustrate how representativeness and resources shaped their strategies in policy advocacy. They also illustrate how resource dependencies can open networks to ideological and governance pressures from donors.