In the course of their everyday academic business, universities in developing countries turn over large
volumes of mainly foreign-sourced knowledge, while on the other hand typical communities in rural
areas are starved of vital information for their own survival and development. Partnerships between
universities and their immediate communities have a potential to turn the fortunes of both parties in
economic ways. In the area of natural resources harvesting for commercial purposes, the university-
community partnership plays a critical role in fulfilling mutual needs and tackling environmental
stability. This paper explores the perceived roles of education, training and management practices on
encouraging rural communities to recognize natural resources within their environments and to
develop appropriate capacity to sustainably exploit them for economic benefit. Elaborating on the
views of selected players and with reference to textile materials sourcing and processing, the paper
identifies the complementary functions of education, management and rural communities in
developing informed appreciation for sustainable harvesting of natural resources.