Adaptive collaborative management of community forests in Asia ...

Chapter 1: Introduction: People, Forests and the Need for Adaptation • 11
relevant. Further details on site selection and team composition are given
in Chapters 3–6.
Steps in the Research
The conceptual model and overall methodology underlying the research
are presented in Chapter 2. In brief, the research process had nine major
steps, as shown below. Steps 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 involved conventional research
and analysis—surveys, semistructured interviews and other extractive
forms of data collection—carried out in partnership with local people and
organisations. In all cases the information was shared and discussed with
members of the community and their representatives. The data provided
an opportunity both for the local community to reflect on themselves and
their forests and for the ‘external’ researchers to understand the situation
and begin the process of building trust. Steps 3–6 were iterative and
involved both action research and participatory action research.
1. The basis for the research: agreements with national partners on
ACM and the focus of the research.
2. Background studies to understand the context and build trust:
a. Site selection study;
b. Stakeholder analysis;
c. Historical trends;
d. Biophysical assessment;
e. Human well-being assessment; and
f. Assessment of adaptiveness and collaboration.
3. At selected sites, participatory action research on problems and
opportunities identified by site partners.
4. Action research and participatory action research on approaches
to enhance communication, collaboration and learning that arise
out of step 3.
5. Ongoing monitoring and analysis of the impacts of steps 3 and 4.
6. Feedback and reflection related to steps 3, 4 and 5.
7. Reassessment of the background studies.
8. Final analysis and synthesis of reports.
9. Identification of next steps and follow-on activities and research.