Integration of ecological and indigenous knowledge into farm-level management tools in the Kalahari, Botswana Mark Reed and Andy Dougill Leeds Environment and Development Group, School of the Environment, University of Leeds, UK

The Challenge of Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E) Growth of PM&E approaches Indicators for PM&E Is a trade-off between meaningful participation and scientific rigour is inevitable? Integration of scientific and traditional knowledge sources An integrated framework for indicator development Integration of ecological and indigenous knowledge into farm-level management tools in the Kalahari, Botswana

Farm-Level Management Tools for the Kalahari Limited uptake of veld condition assessment tools Need to develop user-friendly management tools Facilitate farmer learning and action whilst maintaining objectivity and rigour Role for an integrated suite of indicators Shifts in ecological theory - focus on vegetation and drought Integration of ecological and indigenous knowledge into farm-level management tools in the Kalahari, Botswana

Research Objectives Framework for indicator development that: Integrates scientific and indigenous knowledge Can facilitate community learning and action without compromising objectivity and rigour Is community-led Can facilitate PM&E Is validated through research in the Kalahari, Botswana Integration of ecological and indigenous knowledge into farm-level management tools in the Kalahari, Botswana

5. Rejection, adaptation or adoption of new indicators by communities on the basis of empirical data. 1. Determine farmer objectives for indicators and criteria for indicator evaluation in the context of a livelihoods analysis 2. Identification of potential parameters from farmers, and literature 3. Primary evaluation of parameters by farmers using appropriate criteria (differentiated according to indicator objectives or social factors) 4. Secondary evaluation of parameters by empirical research 6. Application of indicators Number of potential parameters or indicators Stage in process 7. Participatory re-evaluation of indicators Figure 1: Conceptual framework for indicator development. Indicator Development for PM&E: An Integrated Framework Shortcomings of alternative frameworks Key features of the proposed framework

Integration of ecological and indigenous knowledge into farm-level management tools in the Kalahari, Botswana Results July-August 2001 field season Conclusions Responsive to dynamic user objectives Advantages of an integrated approach: Management tools that can facilitate community learning & action without compromising reliability, sensitivity, objectivity and robustness Application to other comparable areas

Integration of ecological and indigenous knowledge into farm-level management tools in the Kalahari, Botswana Application in PM&E in a project-related context has the potential to: Build local capacity for ongoing M&E Enhance sustainability of project outputs Make M&E more adaptive to changing circumstances and needs Ensure the relevance of M&E outputs to local communities Improve accountability to donors