Aligning vision and action of a landcare ethos through systematic intervention : the case of the Farmer Support Group.
Loading...
Date
2004
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The present context of community based natural resource management is characterized
by multiple stakeholder involvement, a situation that presents challenges in aligning
vision for common action. A 'systemic intervention' involved the staff and
stakeholders of the Farmer Support Group, a non-profit rural development organization
based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The 'creative design of methods' guided
inquiry in aligning vision of a Landcare ethos amongst the organization and their
stakeholders, and in directing action toward the vision. Critical Systems Thinking is
outlined as the framework in which the intervention methodology is encompassed. The
importance of applying a broad range of environmental education methods to Landcare
is established through drawing from present debates and contexts in environmental
education and community based natural resource management. The 'organization as
community' approach to organizational learning and development is highlighted as a
means of creating synergy of purpose across staff and stakeholder boundaries. The
intervention's methodology consisted of three phases: drawing out perspectives,
forming a common vision in a mission statement, and developing action plans based on
the mission statement. Outcomes included: identification of three schools of thought
that drove perspectives on the role of environmental education in natural resource
management strategies, formation of the FSG Landcare Ethos Mission Statement,
which was inclusive of all stakeholder perspectives, and integration of the mission
statement into FSG projects through action plans. The intervention found that
aligning staff members and stakeholders in common vision and action towards
developing a Landcare ethos could be accomplished through a blend of environmental
education approaches that facilitate sustainable decision making by building capacity in
individuals and communities in a participatory and locally relevant manner that is
attentive to predominant perspectives and adaptive to change.
Description
Thesis (M.Agric.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.
Keywords
Sustainable agriculture--KwaZulu-Natal., Land use, rural--KwaZulu-Natal., Agricultural extension work--KwaZulu-Natal., Conservation of natural resources--KwaZulu-Natal., Agricultural development projects--KwaZulu-Natal., Theses--Rural resource management.