knowledge sharing approaches for promotion of integrated water management in semi-arid areas of...

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