The article discusses how managing natural resources at different scales can be challenging. Examples from Zimbabwe show that factors like time, environment, and rules are important. A framework is suggested to help deal with these challenges. To help many people in large areas, political support and planning are needed. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches are necessary for success. Action research is recommended to learn while doing, focusing on creating the right political and institutional environment and addressing gaps in knowledge. The example of groundwater management is used to illustrate these ideas.