A structured multi-stakeholder learning process for Sustainable Land Management

There are many, often competing, options for Sustainable Land Management (SLM). Each must be assessed - and sometimes negotiated - prior to implementation. Participatory, multi-stakeholder approaches to identification and selection of SLM options are increasingly popular, often motivated by social learning and empowerment goals. Yet there are few practical tools for facilitating processes in which land managers may share, select, and decide on the most appropriate SLM options. The research presented here aims to close the gap between the theory and the practice of stakeholder participation/learning in SLM decision-making processes. The paper describes a three-part participatory methodology for selecting SLM options that was tested in 14 desertification-prone study sites within the EU-DESIRE project. Cross-site analysis and in-depth evaluation of the Moroccan and Portuguese sites were used to evaluate how well the proposed process facilitated stakeholder learning and selection of appropriate SLM options for local implementation. The structured nature of the process - starting with SLM goal setting - was found to facilitate mutual understanding and collaboration between stakeholders. The deliberation process led to a high degree of consensus over the outcome and, though not an initial aim, it fostered social learning in many cases. This solution-oriented methodology is applicable in a wide range of contexts and may be implemented with limited time and resources.The research described in this paper was conducted within the framework of the EC-DG RTD, 6th Framework Research Programme (sub-priority 1.1.6.3), Research on Desertification, project DESIRE (037046): Desertification Mitigation and Remediation of Land – a global approach for local solutions. Mark Reed is also supported by a British Academy Research Development Award. The authors extend their deep thanks to all the DESIRE study site teams for their conscientious implementation of the suggested methodology within their sites. Thanks in particular to Abdelli F., Açıkalın Sanem, Aderghal Mohammed, Atlhopheng Julius, Baptista Isaurinda, Ben Zaied M., Carreiras Manuela, Chaker Miloud, Chanda R., de Vente Joris, Diamantis V., Engler Alejandra, Ermolaeva Olga, Ferreira António, Gkiougkis I., Kairis Orestis, Kosmas Costas, Li Jinpeng, López Jorge, Machouri Nadia, Magole Lapo., Mahdhi N., Ocakoğlu Faruk, Oueled Belgacem A., Ouessar Mohamed, Ovalle Carlos, Pechtelidis A., Ruiz Carlos, Semenov Vyacheslav, Soares João, Sghaier M., Solé Albert, Taamallah H., Tavares Jacques, Tolay İnci, Wang Fei, Yang Shangbin, Zeiliguer Anatoly, Zengin Mehmet. Thanks as well to all the stakeholders at each site for their participation in and contribution to the project. A special thanks to the stakeholders and interview partners in Morocco and Portugal. Thanks to Hanspeter Liniger, Coen Ritsema, Rudi Hessel, Simone Verzandvoort, and Erik van den Elsen for providing overall support to the development, application, and analysis of the methodology. Thanks to Flurina Schneider for valuable feedback and to Anu Lannen for editing.publishe