Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
In
the third phase
, 2005-2006, the results of the various research activities and
consultations have been used for designing different scenarios for the future deve-
lopment of rural and urban land use in the case study areas. These scenarios ranged
from maximum conservation of the most productive agricultural land amidst urban
expansions to maximum urban uses with some bits of open space remaining to be
farmed in an appropriate way, mainly as an 'amenity' for the new urban residents.
The scenarios have been presented and discussed during policy seminars (in both
cities) in November 2005 and during follow-up meetings in March/April 2006.
Officials from local, district and metropolitan level ('Province' in Vietnam and
'Municipality' in China) involved in rural and urban planning attended these seminars
and discussed the possibilities for productive green zones in new urban areas in both
cities.
2) Can you identify disciplinary and multi-disciplinary activities?
The project had a multi-disciplinary approach in which researchers with different
backgrounds (economics, sociology, production ecology, soil sciences, physical
planning, land management, landscape architecture and process management) worked
together in order to find options for integration of horticulture with new urban
functions in (peri-) urban areas. Parts of the study were quite technical and involved
dissemination of, and debate over new research techniques within these disciplines.
The 'participatory planning' approach was new to most members of the international
research team and was an important tool for bringing the specialized, technical
topics together.”
D) General project outputs
1) What are the scientific contributions of the project (to RDSA methodology or
more general scientific contributions)?
During the project, several project reports were written on various topics and made
available on the project website, www.searusyn.org. The project results have been
integrated in an Alterra report and a final consolidated project report.
During the entire project a participatory approach was followed, in order to find
solutions that are understandable and acceptable for all stakeholders in the develop-
ments in the urban fringe of both cities. However, the project's experience is that
'multi-stakeholder platforms' - as a form for participatory research and planning -
appeared not to be suitable for the required interaction. Therefore, a more diversified
process of communication and involvement of the various stakeholders in the
project activities was followed, with separate consultations with stakeholder groups
or individual stakeholders bringing them gradually together in joint consultations.
2) What are policy-relevant findings of the project for Dutch and for Southern
policymakers?
The major conclusions from the project are the following:
Search WWH ::
Custom Search