Resources

601 - 615 of 1885 items

Participation in natural resource management : blemished past and hopeful future? Presentation at OFI Forest Policies that Work Course.

Authors: 
Guijt, Irene
1996

Abstract

This paper outlines the development of interest in participatory development approaches. Some of the difficulties faced today in natural resource management are discussed and the opportunities presented by participatory methodologies are highlighted. Finally, the implications for forestry professionals wanting to work towards more participatory forms of resource management are indicated.

Application of participatory rural appraisal methods for action research on water management.

Authors: 
Gosselink, Paul
Thompson, John
1997

Abstract

Drawing on case studies from six countries, this report examines recent innovative applications of PRA in research, development and impact analysis of irrigation and water resource management programmes. The case studies are taken from different socio-technical contexts and range from the use of PRA to examine water user's perspectives of irrigation performance to watershed management planning. Lessons learnt from the examples are outlined and finally challenges and opportunities for the use of participatory methods in water resource management are summarised. Issues considered include, confusion over definitions and objectives, the degree of importance placed on methods, confusion over the role of professionals, the influence of politics and power, measuring of impacts, complementarity between conventional research methods and PRAand finally the challenge of institutionalising participatory approaches in government bureaucracies.

Publisher

IIMI

Colombo
http://

Farmers and researchers : The road to partnership.

Authors: 
Merrill-Sands, Deborah
Collion, Marie-Helene
1994

Abstract

Systematic farmer involvement in agricultural research organisations in developing countries has been weak, and the impact of the introduction of farmer responsive research methods has been disappointing. More attention needs to be paid to political and institutional dimensions, in order to permanently alter the balance of power between research and its clients. Opportunities include participatory planning to involve farmers systematically in prioritising the research agenda and incorporating their needs. Strengthening and linking farmersÆ associations with research organisations enable clients to express demand, pressurise and work with research organisations.

Challenging the populist perspective : rural peoples knowledge, agricultural research and extension practice.

Authors: 
Thompson, John
Scoones, Ian
1994

Abstract

The authors view knowledge as a social process, and knowledge systems in terms of multiple actors and networks through which the communication and negotiation of information takes place, and not as unitary cohesive structures. The purpose of this paper is to challenge æFarmer FirstÆ unitary populist approaches to knowledge to reassess how people in different agroecological and sociocultural contexts understand and deal with research and extension processes, engage each other in different endeavours, and assert power relations for social and political purposes.

Studying pastoral womens knowledge in milk processing and marketing - for whose empowerment?

Authors: 
Waters-Bayer, Anne
1994

Abstract

Few studies of local knowledge focus on processing and marketing of farm produce which constitute an important source of income for rural households, and especially women. The author presents a case study of milk processing and marketing by Fulani women, in which their considerable knowledge of local market conditions and innovations as well as their limited knowledge of the linkages between the local and wider national economies are highlighted. The differences between æextractiveÆ and æenrichingÆ research are drawn on to explain why the study did not lead to institutional development in dairy planning, and to discuss the ethics
of wider dissemination of research results.

Pages