1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Approach

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)

HELVETAS (Swiss Intercooperation)

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) - Germany

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

01/07/2012

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

2.1 Short description of the Approach

Creating models when developing lowland areas encourages the different actors involved to enter into negotiations and participate in decision-making on the design and farming of a lowland area.

2.2 Detailed description of the Approach

Detailed description of the Approach:

Scale models are an instructional tool that can be used to ensure a common understanding of the characteristics of the lowland area to be developed, give concrete expression to the baseline scenario, and facilitate discussion of the different technical options for the development. Depending on the case at hand, the model shows flooded areas, forested areas, housing, areas given over to pasture or cultivation and the type of scheme that has been chosen with the beneficiaries. Ultimately, a wooden 3D version of the model is produced that is around 80 x 120 centimetres in size. The model is a visual aid that improves communication between the different actors involved and the technical designers during the planning process and development of the lowland area (communities, design agencies and businesses tasked with implementation, etc.). The model is a tool that helps to foster the actors’ ownership of the process, the creation of a shared future vision of the development, and the collaborative management of schemes. It must, however, form part of an overall facilitation approach.
The model is one tool in the toolkit of lowland planning approaches. The process begins with the request by a community and/or local authority for a scheme. A brief for the development scheme is then drawn up jointly by those involved. The project itself starts with a socio-economic study carried out in accordance with the ToR submitted to the community. Approval for the choice of site is obtained in the course of the socio-economic study, which leads into a technical study based on the findings and the summary draft document (SDD). Study findings are fed back to villagers along with the selected scenario. A 3D wooden model is then produced on the basis of the findings and scenario. The other scheme implementation stages are carried out following approval (summary draft document – SDD, drafting of the tender documents – ITD, choice of contractor, works, approval of works completed). The model is subsequently used to move the farming and facility maintenance strategy forward. Two or three village facilitators, who are members of the management committee, are trained in how to handle the model during facilitation sessions.
Stages in creating a model: 1)Sketch mapping (involving farmers) and a topographical survey of the area, 2)Precise order placed with the model maker (specification), 3)Provision of a quote by the model maker setting out the costs of the materials and services required (if necessary, a site visit is carried out with the model maker to work through the paper maps of the lowland area), 4)Conversion of the paper maps to the actual scale of the model, 5)Production of the base unit with the basic relief (boards, plywood), 6)Positioning of the technical features to be installed (facilities, roads, irrigated plots, ponds, etc.) and the addition of decorative elements (houses, trees, livestock), 7)Production of a protective shipping case for the model.
Beneficiaries formulate the request, describe and draw sketch maps of the landscape, and use the model in consultation exercises. The consultancy supports the design process, ensures the quality
of on-paper designs for use in constructing the model, and acts as intermediary between the beneficiaries and the woodworker, particularly in terms of converting scales and proportions. The woodworker creates the model according to the plan.

2.3 Photos of the Approach

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied

2.6 Dates of initiation and termination of the Approach

2.7 Type of Approach

• project/ programme based

2.8 Main aims/ objectives of the Approach

The Approach focused mainly on SLM with other activities.
Encouraging the different actors to enter into negotiations and participate in decision-making on the design and farming of a lowland areas; reduction of conflicts over farming land

The SLM Approach addressed the following problems: lack of participation of the farming community in the development of lowland areas, conflicts over farming land

2.9 Conditions enabling or hindering implementation of the Technology/ Technologies applied under the Approach

3.1 Stakeholders involved in the Approach and their roles

3.2 Involvement of local land users/ local communities in the different phases of the Approach

	Involvement of local land users/ local communities	Specify who was involved and describe activities
initiation/ motivation	passive
planning	interactive
implementation	interactive
monitoring/ evaluation	passive
Research	passive

3.4 Decision-making on the selection of SLM Technology/ Technologies

Specify who decided on the selection of the Technology/ Technologies to be implemented:

• mainly SLM specialists, following consultation with land users

Explain:

Decisions on the method of implementing the SLM Technology were made by mainly by SLM specialists with consultation of land users

4.1 Capacity building/ training

Was training provided to land users/ other stakeholders?

Yes

Specify who was trained:

• land users

Form of training:

• public meetings
• courses

Subjects covered:

Local people need to get to grips with the landscape and know how to orientate themselves in the space. The model maker must be well trained and have expertise in concepts of scale, contours and ‘scale exaggerations’

4.2 Advisory service

Do land users have access to an advisory service?

Yes

Specify whether advisory service is provided:

• on land users' fields

Describe/ comments:

Advisory service is quite adequate to ensure the continuation of land conservation activities; the model is facilitated by villagers themselves

4.3 Institution strengthening (organizational development)

Have institutions been established or strengthened through the Approach?

• yes, moderately

Specify the level(s) at which institutions have been strengthened or established:

• local

Specify type of support:

• capacity building/ training
• equipment

4.4 Monitoring and evaluation

Is monitoring and evaluation part of the Approach?

Yes

Comments:

technical aspects were ad hoc monitored by project staff through observations
socio-cultural aspects were ad hoc monitored by project staff through observations
management of Approach aspects were ad hoc monitored by project staff through observations
There were no changes in the Approach as a result of monitoring and evaluation
There were no changes in the Technology as a result of monitoring and evaluation

4.5 Research

Was research part of the Approach?

Yes

Specify topics:

• sociology
• economics / marketing
• ecology
• technology

Give further details and indicate who did the research:

Helvetas - Swiss Intercooperation

5.1 Annual budget for the SLM component of the Approach

If precise annual budget is not known, indicate range:

• < 2,000

Comments (e.g. main sources of funding/ major donors):

Approach costs were met by the following donors: international non-government: 100.0%

5.2 Financial/ material support provided to land users

Did land users receive financial/ material support for implementing the Technology/ Technologies?

Yes

5.3 Subsidies for specific inputs (including labour)

If labour by land users was a substantial input, was it:

• voluntary

5.4 Credit

Was credit provided under the Approach for SLM activities?

No

6.1 Impacts of the Approach

6.2 Main motivation of land users to implement SLM

6.3 Sustainability of Approach activities

Can the land users sustain what has been implemented through the Approach (without external support)?

• yes

6.4 Strengths/ advantages of the Approach

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
The results are immediate and manifest as: reduced conflicts over farming the land in question; the immediate visibility of the land pattern and spatial issues; the involvement and motivation of local people in the design process; more inclusive decisions and the initiation of social dialogue on the scheme; an approach that is more engaging and accessible to all – even the shyest people are able to express themselves. (How to sustain/ enhance this strength: The approach must be participatory; it should not exclude any sector of society. In this respect, young people and women prove to be very good facilitators, with the model helping them to present the subject matter in a lively and engaging way.)
The model enables stakeholders to interpret the landscape and thus helps them in the decision-making process. It is used in consultation exercises to ensure transparency and consensual management in the implementation and evaluation of the scheme. (How to sustain/ enhance this strength: To use the model, all that is required is for it to be transported to the meeting/facilitation space, removed from its case and placed at table height or even on the ground. The facilitator then introduces the project, indicating the landmarks and cardinal directions. This serves as the basis for discussion. Local people need to get to grips with the landscape and know how to orientate themselves in the space. The model maker must be well trained and have expertise in concepts of scale, contours and ‘scale exaggerations’. They must have an artist’s eye. )
The model is tangible, durable and helps reduce social conflict. It also serves as a support for meetings with visitors. It is facilitated by villagers themselves.

6.5 Weaknesses/ disadvantages of the Approach and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Some experts from technical consultancies have the tendency to take over from the beneficiaries. Other public sector experts move things forward as quickly as possible and fail to take into account villagers’ contributions.	To ensure that people are not left frustrated and, as a result, participate less in the process, it is important to give them the opportunity to express their views.
Modifications may be required once the model is completed. Integrating these corrections can prove difficult (engaging the same provider and carrying out alterations without diminishing the appearance of the model).

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Intercooperation, Délégation au Sahel (n.d.): Capitalisation d’éxperience. Eau, terre, communautés. La maquette pédagogique transportable dans l’aménagement des bas-fonds. Un outil pour les practiciens. [Delegation to the Sahel (n.d.): Capitalising on experiences. Water, land, communities. The portable instructional model for developing lowland schemes. A tool for practitioners.]

Available from where? Costs?

http://agriwaterpedia.info/wiki/Main_Page

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Intercooperation, Délégation au Sahel (2009): Gestion des ressources naturelles: les acteurs s’engagent pour une gestion concertée et pacifique de leurs resources. [Delegation to the Sahel (2009): Management of natural resources – actors engage in the collaborative and peaceful management of their resources.]

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Good Practices in Soil and Water Conservation. A contribution to adaptation and farmers´ resilience towards climate change in the Sahel. Published by GIZ in 2012.

Available from where? Costs?

http://agrwaterpedia.info/wiki/Main_Page