Knowledge Sharing Approaches for Promotion of IWRM
The Case of Semi Arid Areas of N.E. Tanzania
Masuki K. F. G., Malesu M. M., Mattee Z.A., Rwehumbiza F. B. , Tumbo S.D. & Oduor A. R.World Agroforestry Centre in Collaboration with African Highlands Initiative
Study background• The Context of KS:
Platform, through communication and dialogue, that will enable effective scaling-up of research products during and after project implementation.
• Main objective of KS:
Research findings are well communicated to key stakeholders in order to achieve improved livelihoods and influence decision-making and utilisation of improved technologies.
There should be an effect on WRM knowledge, attitudes and practices of smallholder farmers and other key players.
Study background• Case study demonstration:
How communication of research findings impacts on IWRM for Semi arid N.E. Tanzania.
• Approach of communication strategy: From conventional research-extension-farmer pathway
toA more inclusive participatory approach involving: Farmers workshops, Farmer Field days, Farmer Field Schools, Exchange visits, Field demos, Audio-visuals and River basin games.
Location of study area
Methodology• Development of Communication Strategy• Knowledge sharing of IWR• Knowledge sharing at the following levels:
• Scientific community • National & Policy • District /Watershed • Field
Development of Knowledge Sharing
• Categorization of stakeholders and identification of their info needs through consultation and discussions
• Typologies of stakeholders further divided into 4 domains:Primary beneficiaries; Intermediate stakeholders & institutions; National level stakeholders; & International institutions.
Communication & KS Framework
Findings• The outreach, action research and learning program
contributed to improved integrated research, that enhanced knowledge outputs and demand for relevant water systems.
• The farmer innovation systems was adopted by application of participatory approaches to research-for-development.
• Thro’ FFS & RELMA field visits to Kenya, there was higher acceptance of water systems innovations developed by SSI.
• In FFS, farmers generate functional knowledge necessary for their livelihood enhancement
Conclusion• For scaling-up to be feasible, research teams must
develop and implement sound communication strategies as an integral part of the research process.
• Uptake of water system innovations is enhanced when a combination of different promotion methods are used.
• Interactive methods complemented by other methods and media of communication like audio-visual and printed materials are more effective.
Conclusion
• Farmers always learn by seeing and doing. With presence of researchers, challenges arising from using appropriate technologies can be addressed on the spot instead of waiting for feedback meetings.
• NR research should be demand-led in order to
improve its relevance and potential for uptake by the intended beneficiaries
Thank you for your attention