Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
other farmers; at regular monthly meetings held by farmer's associations to
discuss health and environment issues; via IPM and other expert-led
workshops; and by videos made of the field site.
3 In 2006, the researcher returned to the field to develop work plans, implement
evaluation questionnaires, and develop risk-practice messages and
agricultural risk-practice scenario drawings. In addition, farmer leaders
conducted workshops to evaluate the farmers' understanding. Workshops
included presentations of new farmer-conceptualized maps, results of
questionnaires and body mapping (showing health impacts). In addition,
'factors, barriers and solutions' exercises were conducted to develop action
plans to protect against environment and health risks, as well as to carry
out structured observation of the site.
4 After evaluating the results, feedback was presented to the farmers. A total
154 farmers were involved in the process.
Meetings
Regular meetings with GIE Provania and other farmers provided a forum for
listening, dialogue and planning for education and action. They also provided
an opportunity for the research team to socialize with farmers. Meetings took
place in the field of the president of GIE Provania, in a straw shelter close to a
set of wastewater treatment tanks.
Focus groups
Focus groups were conducted throughout the research process to identify key
issues and monitor and evaluate the PEAR process (Figure 10.3). Farmers
were asked a set of questions, initially derived from the literature and based
on observation, which explored key constraints linked to UA and
environmental health impacts. Notes were taken during the focus groups and
coded for themes. These were then presented to a core group of farmers so as
to validate the interpretation of responses and provide a basis for the design
of interventions. Senegalese extension workers, students and researchers
frequently helped with translation and interpretation as sessions were held in
French and most farmers spoke Wolof.
Mapping
Mapping is a commonly used tool in water and sanitation PEAR, as it enables
participants to visualize their surroundings, identifying key points of interest
and linkages between environment and health. In January 2005, mapping was
used to share knowledge regarding the study site. With the help of a research
colleague (M. Guisse, 2005, in-depth interview) from the Institut Fondamental
de l'Afrique Noire (IFAN) at the University of Dakar, who provided
translation into Wolof (the national language), ten farmers were asked to use
flip charts to draw key features of the zone. The mapping exercise was
