Tag: constraints
Report on the workshop on barriers to the application of forestry research results
Despite the increase in forestry research investment, the scientific base of forestry field practices remain weak, primarily due to the barriers to the application of research results. While barriers become visible at the application stage, their origin could be traced to all the preceding stages, including problem identification, research process and communication and extension. Mechanisms for identification of researchable problems, especially through the involvement of users are at best weak. The problem is further aggravated due to compartmentalized research, failure to incorporate local technical know-how and weaknesses in research management including inappropriate evaluation systems. A substantial proportion of research results are not communicated to potential users, but directed at other researchers. Even when relevant results are made available, they may remain unutilized as potential adopters may have objectives not taken into account while designing research. Also forestry services geared to enhance revenue in the short term may fail to take cognizance of the long term benefits from the adoption of improved practices.
The challenges of effective model scoping: a FLORES case study from the Mafungausti forest margins, Zimbabwe
This paper explores the challenge of defining the scope of a systems model, emphasising three aspects: boundary, granularity and conceptual scope. The significance of these is illustrated by reference to a model of land-use decisions made in villages bordering on the Mafungautsi forest in zimbabwe. The purpose of this model was to help policy players (Forestry Commission staff, non-governmental organisations, researchers and local people) to understand the impact of policy interventions on local people’s livelihoods. Scoping decisions that were made in building the Mafungautsi model were deliberately liberal, to encompass the inerests of all participants in the modelling process. These decisions now present a range of serious challenges: the difficulty of model calibration, the computational expense of running simulations, and the difficulty for new users to understand the model. Facilitators of modelling teams need to consider the serious implications of giving everyone what they want and including all participants’ ideas in a model. In the long run, it may be better to be tough and reject many suggestions at the outset. The former approach is unlikely to lead to a tractable model, while the latter may ultimately offer greater satisfaction for all.
Multipurpose trees and shrubs, opportunities and limitations: the establishment of a multipurpose tree data base
Man has always used trees for shelter, weapons, building, food and tools. As long as the population was in balance with its natural environment. The population rise caused the food, fodder and land resource dwindle. Agroforestry may be looked upon as the most sophisticated form of development of land use particularly in those environments which for biophysical reasons, react most sensitively to human interference. There is no doubt the multipurpose trees and shrubs are an important component of agroforestry. Therefore multipurpose trees and shrubs data base has to be seen as the foundation on which the development of multipurpose trees and shrubs into an effective tool in the design of new and the improvement of existing agroforestry systems will be built. The paper analyses the establishment of such a data base with a detailed definition of multipurpose trees including their opportunities and functions.
Organic matter dynamics after conversion of forests to food crops or sugarcane: prediction of the Century Model
The Rewarding Upland Poor for Environmental Services Program is testing mechanisms to reward the upland poor for the environmental services they provide at a number of sites across Asia. Four years since its commencement, the program has learned numerous lessons in establishing payment for environmental services mechanisms in developing countries with particular emphasis on the upland poor as beneficiaries. A market-based approach for environmental services with potential funding from private sectors delineated the first establishment of this program. As the program has progressed, constraints on operating ‘pure’ payments for environmental services have appeared. This leads to a question of whether or not the market-based system for financing environmental conservation in developing countries will actually benefit the poor or be applicable and effective in the context of Asian developing countries. This paper introduces four approaches that describe the different conditions exercised by two contrasting methods – a market-based payment for environmental services and non-market-based system, in this case, Integrated Conservation and Development Program – in achieving the dual goal of environmental conservation and development. Supported by recent publications by notable authors on payments for environmental services issues, this paper will briefly show the shift of RUPES basic assumptions as a result of lessons leaned from RUPES action research sites and its research. Positioning RUPES and its next step will support the progressive development of a pro-poor payments for environmental services concept in the tropics.
Approaches to replenishing soil fertility in Africa: NGO perspectives, summary of a workshop held in Nairobi, Kenya 3-9 June 1997
Abstract not found