So what difference does it make? Assessing the outcomes and impacts of farmer participatory research

This paper provides a brief overview of what constitutes valid evidence for the efficacy and impact of participatory research drawing on the participatory research impact assessment literature and the author‟s experience of advising, reviewing and evaluating projects and programmes which have participatory research components, or are undertaking research within multistakeholder participatory processes. There has been important progress in demonstrating the different outcomes made by participatory approaches, but there remain differences in how the contribution of participatory research is judged, what evidence is considered valid and by whom

Conceputalising, achieving and measuring impact

Sustaining and increasing the contribution of Small Scale Fisheries to poverty reduction, food and nutrition security requires a three dimensional approach – conceptualising, achieving and measuring impact. This paper presents preliminary options and emerging ideas for FISH CGIAR Research Program – Flagship 2 (Small Scale Fisheries) to consider for improving conceptualization, achievement and measurement of research and development impact. Through a series of relevant examples, connected with FISH CRP theory of change, the paper demonstrates how a better understanding and reflection on research outputs, research outcomes and development outcomes can avoid confusion in these result statements in the visualised impact pathway of each research stream /cluster of activities within Fish CRP. Each research activity has its own vision and a story to tell as to how ‘change’ will happen (originally captured in the change mechanisms described in the CRP proposal). These should be succinct statements of the research outputs and research outcomes and how they lead to development outcomes, laid out as a theory of change. It is important for the FISH CRP to consider intermediate links (‘what it takes’ to reach there) between these elements. These intermediate links have the potential to better define and build the logic within the theory of change and also can help the CRP in understanding missing links (if any). In practical terms, they are the change mechanisms and associated strategies utilised by the program. Also assumptions and risks need to be defined in order to ensure that the proposed pathway of change is grounded in reality and that risk management strategies are implemented and monitored. Additionally, one to three ‘indicators’ are required at each result level (output, research outcome and development outcome), which can then be linked to SLO /IDOs. This approach allows for greater reflection on how systemic change can happen which can address the FP2 critique regarding weak articulation of the understanding of complexity of systematic change in SSF. It can help to meet donor requirements for clarity on the CRP’s research and development contribution. Achieving impact will require a ‘Development Outcome’ focus in annual planning and budgeting and diligent planning of annual milestones. The CRP can also consider cluster-wise allocation and depiction of budgets on various cluster of activities within a flagship. Measurement of impact in the CRP is challenging given the diversity of research streams, data and reporting requirements. Therefore it necessitates application of a systematic and standardised approach in knowledge to action sequence. Utility orientation in any measurement / Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is critical for ensuring that it contributes to both accountability and learning aspects. Cascaded M&E approach can be considered by the CRP. Cascaded M&E allows tracking of knowledge to action sequence, starting at research activity /cluster level and then building up an aggregated picture. This could allow for collection, reflection and generation of knowledge at various geo-levels: site, country, regional, global. Overall the paper propose provisional options and ideas to develop an effective M&E system that is less ‘report-based’ and more of a support to ‘pursuing science’

Report on a visit to South Africa to facilitate a participatory workshop for an urban agriculture project in Sobantu Village, KwaZulu-Natal, as part of the DfID funded project: "Support to the Institute of Natural Resources for institutional development in South Africa"

The DfID project "Support to the INR for institutional development in South Africa" is led by the Natural Resources Adviser at DfID in Pretoria, and managed by NRinternational. The project consists of several components (curriculum development, project management, appropriate technology, participatory rural appraisal and farming systems/fanner participatory research FSRIFPR) with inputs from Reading University, Intermediate Technology Consultants and NRI. The project is due to finish by July 1998. In two previous visits, the authors have given courses in Farming Systems and Farmer Participatory Research to members of the Institute for Natural Resources (INR), the Department of Agriculture, the Agricultural Research Council and other institutions concerned with agricultural development of disadvantaged communities in KwaZulu Natal. The content of these training courses has been compiled into a draft training handbook. This visit was made at the request of INR. Unlike previous visits it was concerned with a real development initiative, rather than training, and provided an excellent opportunity to put into practice many of the approaches and methods which had been the focus of training in previous visits. Visit Objectives. The objectives of the visit were as follows: a) With the Sobantu community and INR and Department of Agriculture staff, facilitate a participatory workshop to identify organisational/institutional, social, technical and financial issues and the processes and activities necessary to initiate an urban agriculture project; b) Discuss the draft of a manual on FSR/FPR being prepared by NRI/INR; c) Discuss follow-on activities with INR Chief Executive and staff (given that the present project finishes by July 1998)

A crop of one's own? Women’s experiences of cassava commercialization in Nigeria and Malawi

Improving the effectiveness of agricultural markets for economic growth and poverty reduction has been a central focus for development initiatives, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Staple crops with low input requirements and drought tolerance, such as cassava, are being promoted for market development due to their accessibility for poor smallholder farmers. Narratives often equate commercialization of cassava to benefits for women, as cassava is commonly labelled a ‘women’s crop’. However, little is known about whether or how women can engage with new cassava commercial opportunities and the livelihood outcomes from this, particularly given the importance of cassava for food security. Findings from fieldwork in Nigeria and Malawi identify cassava value chains that offer different opportunities and challenges for women, which are often overlooked in agricultural development narratives. Women can gainfully participate in new commercial cassava opportunities while maintaining, if not increasing, food security. However, this is highly dependent on gender norms and household relations. Greater attention is required to these more difficult aspects of gender analysis in development projects to ensure women’s integration and benefit from agricultural market

Dimensions of participation. Experiences, lessons and tips from agricultural research practitioners in Sub-Saharan Africa

This book is about participation in agricultural research. It documents the experience of practitioners in implementing agricultural research projects in which participation has been a central issue. This experience is documented through case studies, and through summaries of the authors' experience. Reference is made to other literature on aspects of participation, both specific and general. The case studies give first hand accounts of the challenges and successes involved in using participatory approaches in agricultural research projects undertaking technology development and adaptation. Written by practitioners, the case studies cover many practical aspects of design and implementation that are not covered in more academic and conceptual writing on this subject, or in general manuals on how to undertake participatory agricultural research. The existing books, manuals and guidelines adequately outline the key principles and approaches in participatory agricultural research (e.g. Okali et al., 1994; Van Veldhuizen et al., 1997; Sutherland, 1998). This book is different from most others on participatory agricultural research in the following respects: it organizes and compares case-study experiences within topical chapters, rather than having case studies written as separate chapters; it embraces a wider view of participation- in addition to interaction between farmers and researchers, this view includes participation both within project teams and between the project team and other stakeholders in the agricultural research process; it is not a training manual detailing what to do, when to do it and how; however, lessons and tips are provided for the topics covered; it is rooted in project experiences rather than in development discourse, and does not advocate a particular participatory research philosophy, or claim to break new ground in terms of participatory concepts and methods. The aim of the book is to stimulate learning, primarily by presenting examples of how a range of projects handled various components of the participatory research process. These examples are given within a broader discussion of the typical challenges and issues faced by projects and practitioners when using participatory approaches to develop and adapt agricultural technology. Drawing on the case studies and other experiences, some lessons, strategies and tips are outlined in relation to particular topics within participatory agricultural research

Towards an ethical jewellery business

This report presents the results of phase 1 of research which is intended to identify the main social, environmental and ethical issues in the jewellery sector and to assist industry bodies in identifying how to integrate ethical considerations into their activities. The phase one report is based on an extensive review of literature related to ethical issues in the jewellery sector, covering ethical issues throughout the jewellery supply chain, from extraction of jewellery materials by mining processes, through to the retail of finished jewellery. In addition to highlighting established existing knowledge and literature in this field, our report highlights gaps in the literature and understanding that will influence the form and focus of more applied research to be proposed for phase two of the project

Urban agriculture and the livelihoods of the poor in Southern Africa: Case studies from Cape Town and Pretoria, South Africa and Harare, Zimbabwe

This paper focuses on three dimensions of the social, institutional and planning context of urban agriculture. Firstly, an analysis of the contribution of urban agriculture to the livelihoods of urban and peri-urban residents; secondly, factors affecting the outcomes of urban agriculture projects, and thirdly, the linkages between households, communities and the planning authorities. The paper is based on research carried out since November 1998 in informal settlements in South Africa (Cape Town and Pretoria) and Zimbabwe (three sites in Harare, one peri-urban setting with strong market linkage to the central food market, a resettlement area and a high density township). The purpose of the research project was to develop methodologies and criteria for improved resource management in order to promote income generating vegetable growing in urban and peri urban areas and to provide guidance for policy formulation

Evaluation of the Ishtirak project, Oum Hadjer, Chad

The project Ishtirak, located in the oum Hadjer sub prefecture of the Botha, began in June 1987, financed and executed by Oxfam in collaboration with Secours Catholique et Developpement (SECADEV) and with the technical collaboration of the Ministry of Livestock. The project has made substantial progress in the period since the last evaluation in 1989, despite delays in implementation resulting from insecurity in the region. In particular, the changes in approach to credit provision have resulted in a more rapid reimbursement of credit in the period 1990-1992 and a more solid foundation of group activity. The staff of the Ishtirak project have undertaken the project's management with a high degree of commitment and with a degree of flexibility which has allowed it to modify the project design. Most rapid progress has been made when the project has responded to the problems by developing local solutions which are appropriate to the needs of the groups with whom they are working, rather than working to a blueprint project design or procedure. The continuity of advice from Oxfam, in particular from the Pastoral adviser is seen as important for the future work of the project. The role of the pastoral adviser is a critical link between projects involving livestock components and the wider policy environment

Livelihoods analysis of landmine affected communities in Yemen (Volume I: main report)

The government of Yemen is committed to the complete elimination of landmines and explosive remnants of war. The National Mine Action Committee (NMAC) was established in June 1998 to formulate policy, allocate resources, and develop a national mine-action strategy. Furthermore, the Yemen Executive Mine Action Centre (YEMAC) was established in January 1999 as the implementing body of the NMAC with the primary responsibility of coordinating all mine-action activities in the country. The aim of the current Strategic Mine Action Plan is to put an end to the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel landmines, by the end of March 2009. As of September 2005, over 240 million square meters of affected land have been surveyed, cleared and returned to the local users. In 2005, the Mid-term Evaluation for strengthening national capacity for mine action in Yemen praised the achievements of YEMAC and NMAC to date, and also recommended that Community Rehabilitation become an integral part of mine action in Yemen in the future. This study was commissioned by YEMAC and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), with the following objectives: 1. To assess the overall socio-economic returns from mine clearance investments; 2. to make a preliminary assessment of complementary development initiatives for mine-affected communities: and 3. to enhance the capacity of YEMAC to conduct future assessments of socio-economic benefits from mine action; assess the community Landmine Impact Scores as a tool for identifying impact and determining priorities for action; advise on how to design and conduct on-going socio-economic surveys relating to ERW; advise on integrating social differentiation within LIS survey protocols, and advise on enhancements to YEMAC’s monitoring and evaluation system

Gender and drylands governance: Empowering women for change

Thematic study 2: Gender and drylands governance: empowering women for change found that significant opportunities exist for facilitating dryland women's empowerment in governance, in the context of wider support for processes seeking greater democracy in dryland governance and values. There is a need to tackle the inadequate representation and recognition of women’s rights in the drylands, and to consider the redistribution of resources to more equitable ends. Effective channels that can be used to support gender justice are increased investment in dryland governance, building upon contemporary trends in the drylands towards democratization and decentralization, supporting current processes for greater dryland citizen engagement and ownership, and opening up new spaces for participation of women in dryland governance specifically