Reinforcing the impact of Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) through adaptive learning : participatory development approaches in CBNRM
Date
2007
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University of the Philippines at Los Banos Foundation, Laguna, PH
Abstract
The Adaptive Learning and Linkages in Community-Based Natural Resource Management (ALL in CBNRM) is an adaptive learning network and a collaborative learning program in participatory development approaches designed for CBNRM practitioners in Southeast Asia. As an adaptive learning network, ALL in CBNRM uses action-reflection-action approach that enables the learning groups to reflect on existing CBNRM praxis, adopt new lessons, and make adjustments as learning takes place. As a collaborative learning program, it highlights the inter-institutional synergy in implementing the program and the areas of collaboration that the program creates among partners and learning groups. // The goal of ALL in CBNRM is to enhance the capacities of NRM researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholder teams in participatory development approaches for CBNRM and to facilitate social and adaptive learning of experiences and research lessons in CBNRM. These participatory development approaches include participatory research and development; gender and social analysis; collective action; participatory development communication; participatory processes for policy change; and participatory monitoring and evaluation. These topics are grouped into ten (10) discussion themes and are spread out within a 16-month completion period (see Table 2). The learning groups are given six (6) weeks per discussion theme to discuss the guide questions, post synthesis of discussion, and engage themselves in a proactive discourse in the ALL in CBNRM electronic forum and electronic group. Distance learning is complemented by learning groups’ face to face discussions, in-country and regional workshops, field backstopping, learners-led action research and learning resources development activities. // For the past nine months, ALL in CBNRM is building upon the strengths of earlier phases of the program in participatory development communication, formerly called Isang Bagsak and is continually building on lessons from these earlier phases of the program. The value-added features in the current phase of the program are the adaptive learning approach, multi-disciplinary and holistic CBNRM curriculum, inter-institutional program delivery, adaptive knowledge sharing strategy support for adding value to participants’ CBNRM work, evaluation scheme focusing on capacity development, and the development of community-centered learning resources that can be shared regionally. The challenges encountered, as experienced also in the earlier phases of the program, include low level of learning groups’ participation, internet connectivity problems and language barrier. There is also a need to refine the practice of collaborating with the partner implementing institutions, so that thinking together in a geographically dispersed organization would be realized. // Looking forward, ALL in CBNRM is currently exploring incentive policies and management approaches that build on and add value to current ways of doing R&D in CBNRM. The program is also addressing its future sustainability through a resource mobilization strategy.
Description
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Working Paper
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Text
Keywords
COMMUNITY-BASED NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, ADAPTIVE LEARNING, PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH, TRAINING COURSES, RESEARCH WORKERS, DEVELOPMENT PERSONNEL, SOUTHEAST ASIA