Increasing the salience of NRM Research with innovative methodologies: The example of oriented qualitative case study (OQCS)

Recent approaches in natural resource management emphasize decision makers' need for research that (1) encompasses a landscape or regional scale, (2) uses multiple scales of analysis, and (3) has a relatively timely research process. This article presents a novel qualitative research methodology that seeks to increase research salience (relevance) for decision makers in natural resource management agencies by taking steps toward meeting these needs. Called oriented qualitative case study (OCQS), the methodology was used to examine how and why landholders changed their land uses and livelihoods during a forest transition in northwest Costa Rica. In order to better meet the three needs listed above this methodology makes a necessary, partial trade-off in the depth of knowledge it generates at smaller scales. In addition to using such novel methodologies, ongoing engagement between researchers, decision makers and other stakeholders is also critical for increasing salience