Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Understanding the process of engagement is crucial (Box 1.6). Engagement
is also part of problem definition in which the CPWF encouraged stakeholders
to participate to achieve a common vision of the nature of the problem, its
causes and drivers, and what might be done about it.
In R4D, the CPWF distinguished between research to define development
issues and research to identify feasible and socially acceptable solutions (also
called interventions, strategies, etc.). Research for solutions required sound
understanding of the issues for which a solution is sought, including taking
account of the scale (region, basin, catchment, etc.).
Effective solutions are often those that integrate improved technologies, new
institutional arrangements and reformed policies, all three of which may co-
evolve. Research on solutions may find win-win strategies to overcome con-
tentious issues, or may define trade-offs to support negotiations. They may
also be site specific, the conditions of which must be defined as part of
targeting. They will generate a range of consequences on profits, livelihoods,
gender equity, downstream resource users, ecosystem services, resilience, and
so on, some of which may be unexpected. Research on solutions therefore
needs to be dynamic and inclusive to respond to whatever may arise.
Research on solutions must also be sensitive to the policy environment, align
where it is appropriate and maintain its relevance. In some cases policies may
Box 1.6
The CPWF experience with engagement
Engagement is most effective when it:
•
is evidence-based, well informed by research products, and builds
on long-term relationships by working through existing networks
(instead of creating new ones);
•
understands power relations by bringing in people with authority
and responsibility for taking major decisions;
•
recognizes as honest brokers groups that have different and conflict-
ing interests;
•
fosters negotiation when dealing with management of common
property;
•
continues for a long time, often for a series of outcomes, which
collectively enhance impact;
•
generates key messages tailored to different stakeholders;
•
enables all partners to understand and address the problem partici-
patively; and
•
identifies and develops credible champions with vision of what can
be achieved and who are involved in the long term.
Authors discuss engagement in more detail in Chapters 3 and 5.
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