An e-publication by the World Agroforestry Centre
ALTERNATIVES TO SLASH-AND-BURN: a global initiative
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An e-publication by the World Agroforestry Centre |
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ALTERNATIVES TO SLASH-AND-BURN: a global initiative |
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Socioeconomic research methods A panel discussion was held to review some of the methodological tools for socioeconomic and policy analysis. Ms Astneen Khan (ICRAF) presented information on the area-based approach, which is a way of tackling a problem, for example shifting cultivation, by focusing research activities on a particular geographic area. In the case of the ASB programme in Indonesia, the area chosen is an administrative unit, the province of West Sumatra, where several different agroecosystems occur and within which shifting cultivation takes place. Once the boundary of the area is defined research teams composed of NGOs, development planners and researchers can be assembled to work on developing alternative land-use systems to shifting cultivation. Organizational modes of collaboration include establishing working groups, local networks and a consortia of individuals. Dr Kedi Suradisastra (CRIFC) presented background information on the techniques of agroecosystems analysis (AEA). AEA uses systems analysis techniques to analyse agroecosystems by looking at resource flows, patterns and spatial and time analysis of four key agroecosystem properties: sustainability, equitability, stability and productivity. Dr Lori-Ann Thrupp (WRI) presented information on participatory rural appraisal (PRA), which is a technique using diagrams and models that enables researchers to work with the community in identifying development problems. Dr Sam Fujisaka (IRRI) presented information on farmer-centred research, a technique based on informal farmer surveys and farmers learning new ideas from each other through researcher facilitation. Dr Steve Vosti (IFPRI) talked about methods and data needs for policy analysis. Figure 4 summarizes the relationship between these different levels of research. The group then split into three discussion groups to discuss the following topics:
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