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