Africa Regional Center (IIRR-ARC)

The Writeshop Process Introducing…

The Usual Way Producing publications is costly It takes time It takes space During the process manuscripts may get lost

Upon completion, manuscript may not be printed

The printed books are either too technical or too expensive – they remain on shelves. Unread Publishing the manuscript does not guarantee that the document will be distributed or used.

To help development organizations (Government, NGOs, CBO) document lessons and innovative practices To package relevant information in easy to read language of field level agents To simplify scientific and research findings for the benefit of common people To encourage the people at the grass root to tell their story The need

To package development information in multiple forms to meet the needs of diverse groups to benefit a wider community The need To determine fast and effective mechanism to disseminate development information to a wider community To develop the skills of non-trained writers and link them with trained writers and editors.

The Writeshop Process The fast and efficient way of documenting knowledge and experiences

The aim of the Writeshop is to develop, revise and put material into final form as quickly as possible, taking full advantage of the various workshop participants. The aim of the Writeshop

It brings together experts (farmers,researchers, extension workers together with artists, editors, desktop publishing specialists) to document lessons and experiences on commonly identified themes. It simplifies scientific terminologies for comprehension by lay persons It is an effective mechanism to document and evaluate impact stories and changes The Writeshop Process

Through the process, publications are produced within a short period Practical cases illustrate the principles It develops the writing skills of Writeshop participants The process is an opportunity for the formation of non-formal networks between participants The Writeshop Process

People in areas with limited access to information People who cannot read and write but they have a lot of knowledge on issues to do with their own development The Writeshop Process is an Opportunity for people…

indigenous people --- Opportunity for People... Specialized knowledge Where their indigenous knowledge has never been documented

Opportunity for People... Real people in… Research and educational institutions They need to communicate technical and scientific information in ways common people can understand

Opportunity for People... Real people in… Special circumstances Giving voice to the voiceless

Adaptations IIRR has adapted the process to: Produce brochures, posters, leaflets etc… Develop various tools like capacity assessment, HIV/AIDS mainstreaming Prepare position and scientific papers Simplify scientific papers for use by extension agents and farmers Develop training materials and modules Field guides and manuals

The Process

Identify information/knowledge gap Set the topic Hold consultative meetings with stakeholders Set the list of content Decide on the size of each section Select resource persons Identify Writeshop staff: editors, artists and designers Write the draft manuscripts Prepare logistics for the Writeshop Preparation

Presenting Draft 1

The first draft is presented to participants using appropriate tools

Participants critic the draft and suggest illustrations

Designers lay out the draft

The draft is then edited and re- written

Presenting Draft 2

The participants critic the second draft They also comment on the illustrations The draft is Re -written/revised The author presents the revised draft

Presenting Draft 3

Participants make their final comments The comments are included in the final revision

Final revisions and proof reading is done The manuscript is now ready for final editing and printing

Examples of books published using the Writeshop Process

Care Kenya and Care International The Writeshop process: An opportunity for partnership… IIRR has worked with many organizations to produce publications on different themes. Technical Center for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) Regional Land Management Unit (RELMA)

The Writeshop process: An opportunity for partnership… ITDG Kenya AMREF Catholic Organizations for Relief and Development Aid (Cordaid) Commission for Advancement of Women (CAW)

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