Resources

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The properties of agroecosystems

Authors: 
Conway, Gordon R.
1987

Abstract

This paper defines agroecosystems and examines the variety of strategies used to create such a system such as productivity, stability, sustainability and equitability. It states that agricultural development involves a trade-off between these properties. It demonstrates this through selected examples from agricultual history, including the origins of agriculture, manorial and modern Western agriculture and the Green Revolution in Indonesia. It is suggested that these properties may be used normatively as combined criteria for evaluating the performance of agricultural development programmes and projects.

HIDA/ MYRADA agroforestry program in Andhra Pradesh

Authors: 
Mascarenhas, J.
1993

Abstract

Outreach was brought in to facilitate a "participatory self evaluation" of a HIDA/MYRADA agroforestry programme: the process of the workshop is detailed here. A SWOT analysis was carried out, looking at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the programme in small groups. On the second day, the key questions identified were discussed: levels of participation in the programme and peoples' priorities; institutional issues; technology; training. From these, it was felt that the programme did have a different approach to other programmes, due to support, equity and training. An approach for future programme management was worked out, discussing problems, goals, conflicts and government roles. Several examples of exercises such as mapping are given, from the different groups within the agroforestry programme. The conclusion reached was that the programme has started to "make a difference", and that changes in attitudes and in practice have occurred. The evaluation also highlighted areas for further development.

Publisher

Knowledge shared : participatory evaluation in development cooperation

Authors: 
Jackson, Edward T.
Kassam, Yusuf
1998

Abstract

This book examines an approach to evaluation that enables citizens and professionals alike to jointly assess the extent to which the benefits of development are shared - and by whom. It provides a variety of articles from different authors, covering critical themes such as ethics, techniques, case studies, historic reflections, and invitations to action. It addresses the tensions and questions that emerge from the notion of participation such as who has the right to evaluate whom, does the language that makes up the participatory discourse itself limit the practice of participation, etc. It highlights the dangers of evaluations that claim to be participatory but are not, and offers ideas about working in a variety of new directions

Publisher

Kumarian

West Hartford, Connect.
http://

The Participatory Approaches Learning Study (PALS)

Download available

Authors: 
International NGO Tranining and Research Centre [INTRAC]
1999

Abstract

The Participatory Approaches Learning Study (PALS) examined the potential for increasing stakeholder participation in DFID country programmes and at DFID's experience of delivering aid through participatory approaches. Its recommendations include proposals on staff development, on ways to make the Project Cycle Management System more flexible and accountable, and on making participation a stronger characteristic of DFID itself. The two-year research project involved separate studies of four of DFID's geographical departments - DFID-India, DFID-Bangladesh, South East Asia Division, and the Western and North Africa Department, which included India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Ghana, Egypt and Nigeria. This report is a synthesis of the main findings and lessons from each of the geographical studies and includes Operational lessons from PALS, Participation and Project Cycle Management, Training Needs and Participation and Institutionalising Participation.