Participatory Action Research in Natural Resource Management (original) (raw)
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Rethinking participatory action research in renewable resource management
Due to the work of Funtowicz and Ravetz, agricultural scientists increasingly recognise the high complexity, diversity, uncertainty, and the high stakes involved in Renewable Resource Management (RNM). Ecological systems as well as social systems are dynamic and interact at various system levels leading to highly complex, non-linear, divergent processes and the emergence of new phenomena. These system dynamics cannot be controlled so adaptive management is needed: reflexive social systems are able to learn and co-evolve in a self-organising manner. Agricultural scientists are called to engage in participatory action research because system dynamics are uncertain so the knowledge difference between scientists and lay people is less relevant, local people have more contextual knowledge about the specific system dynamics, and local people's livelihoods depend (partly) on renewable resources so they have high stakes in the research and the identified solutions. More and more agricultural scientists respond to the challenge and develop methodologies for information sharing and learning such as participatory mapping, participatory scenario analyses, etc. The key question is: do these efforts actually lead to the intended effect of adaptive management: reflection, self-organisation and institutional change for more sustainable and equitable use of renewable resources? To answer this question, a participatory role-playinggame and simulation experiment, implemented by Companion Modelling (ComMod) practitioners in northern Thailand was studied. The applied methodology, the espoused-and tacit theory-of-change are described based on ComMod documents and articles. Analysing the results with the participants and the designers, it is concluded that the methodology and underlying theories were insufficient to achieve the intended effect. The ComMod approach primarily focused on learning: the exchange of perspectives to attain a rich picture and mutual understanding. This learning, coupled with the participatory, iterative and multi-level character of the process, was supposed to trigger inclusive negotiation and decision-making. Interviews with the participants revealed that, at the individual level farmers learned about farm and ecological dynamics. Instead of copying other people's farm strategies they now reflect on, and try, new farm practices and strategies. The games and simulation models stimulated mutual understanding and cooperative thinking about collective problems. However, the 12 participants noted they were not able to transfer these insights to fellow villagers. People needed first hand experience with the ComMod activities to attain similar insights. As a consequence, village level decision-making did not attain the critical mass and momentum needed for collective action. Meanwhile, higher-level administrators/politicians avoided involvement and commitment to the local level learning process. To create change, people have to effectively deal with competing interests, discourses and power dynamics. The theories applied by ComMod did not provide adequate guidance. When launching a participatory action research, process designers need to pay attention to aspects such as empowerment, mobilisation of constituencies and coalitions, and multi-level negotiation.
Participatory natural resource management research methods used by …
Over the years, the focus of agricultural science has evolved. Some experts say this is because agricultural science is a "quasidiscipline": research topics are not defined by the internal state of the field (as in physics or mathematics), but rather by problems defined outside of the field. Problems in real life are best solved through a multidisciplinary approach. If new problems arise, different disciplines might be integrated to solve the problems. The emergence of new domains depends on two critical factors: 1) an understanding of the interrelations between problems and the ability to deal with these interactions in the research methodology; and 2) public concern about major issues. Indeed the emergence of natural resource/ecosystem management (NRM) as a domain in international agriculture research is paralleled by the appearance of new tools and instruments for data storage and processing such as geographic information systems and modelling. At the same time, worries about food production and global hunger have been amended by an increased public concern about the rapid deterioration of the Earth's ecosystems (particularly since the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio) and increasing levels of poverty.
2003
In the field of natural resource management (NRM), which emerged as a new integration domain in the agricultural sciences, participatory research is conceptually and operationally still in its infancy and a range of activities are labeled 'participatory research'. The paper aims at shedding some light on this confusion. Based on a review of literature and internet sites, it provides an overview of the CGIAR's current NRM research practice, analysing the impact orientation, research foci, the pathway/strategy to impact and the role of participatory research. The paper also offers a framework which helps to differentiate approaches to innovation development and to 'unpack' the blurred concept of 'participatory research'. Three prototypical approaches to innovation development and their respective attributes are described and used to interpret current practice:
Fostering co-operation through participation in natural resource management. An integrative review
Social Science Research Network, 2022
Solving humanity's social-environmental challenges calls for cooperation by the relevant actors. Hence, involving them in the policy process has been deemed both necessary and promising. But how and to what extent can participatory policy interventions effectively foster cooperation for sustainable natural resource management? Research on collective action and research on participatory governance offer insights on this question but have hitherto remained largely unconnected. In particular, results of field and lab experiments on collective action can complement those of case studies on participatory governance to shed further light on the potential (institutional and behavioural) impacts and mechanisms of participatory interventions. This article reviews and integrates key insights of these strands of research using the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework. Our review shows that participatory interventions can foster cooperation (a) by helping the relevant actors craft adequate institutional arrangements, and (b) by addressing and/or influencing relevant actors' attributes (i.e. their individual and shared understandings, beliefs, trust and preferences). However, to fulfil their potential, organisers of participatory interventions need to soundly design and implement them, adequately embedding them in the broader context. They must be complemented with proper follow-up, enforcement and conflict-resolution mechanisms to nurture, reassure and sustain trust and cooperation .
International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 2013
Monitoring progress toward sustainability goals requires a quantitative assessment method including indicators. Indicator sets and goals have typically been developed by experts, which may be scientifically robust but are often difficult to convey to society and may not include all societal values. A participatory assessment approach is emerging as a more holistic method for measuring sustainability. In this approach, local stakeholders play an integral part in the assessment process, assisted by experts. Here we reviewed 13 case studies from around the world that use a participatory approach to achieve sustainable natural resource management. Although similar in approach, most of them diverge in terms of methodology and extent of community engagement. The final set of indicators in each case is reflective of methodology, extent of community engagement, and amount of time and resources involved in the process. While the participatory approach is growing in popularity and increases the potential long-term success of the process (through increasing stakeholder literacy and ownership), the diversity of participatory methodology can complicate policy recommendations.
The Qualitative Report, 2011
Our research team is in the middle of a three-year, multi-phase, multi-state participatory action research study to discover more about how farmers learn. We hope to use our findings to help Extension agents and other agricultural educators develop more meaningful ways to communicate information to farmers about sustainable agriculture. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on our efforts to balance consistency in our research methods with the need to adapt our research protocol based on what we are learning along the way. Our method is participatory on a number of levels. In Phase One of our study, in Virginia, we surveyed 48 Extension agents and specialists who helped us shape the questions we used in focus groups with farmers from distinct groups (e.g., alternative agriculture producers, traditional dairy farmers, young farmers, female farmers). Then a steering committee of four farmers and four Extension agents and specialists helped us shape and conduct our research, analyze ...