Dr Ann Waters-Bayer

Consultant in Agricultural Sociology and Natural Resource Management

Perspective

Dr Ann Waters-Bayer

Why do we conduct research into local resource management? Hopefully not to lengthen our publication lists and gain promotion, but rather to know what forms of management allow land users to improve their lives and manage resources sustainably.

In participatory research, analysis of how people are managing resources, and of the results they are achieving, is a joint learning process by local people and outsiders. To carry out this research, the people need the rights to manage their resources. Outside researchers, with wider spread communication links, can help them (re)gain these rights by making their claims known at higher political levels.

Photo credit: Dr Ann Waters-Bayer

One example is that of Irobland in Tigray. Within living memory, the Irob have shifted from a pastoral to a mixed-farming economy, using labour-intensive soil and water conservation (SWC) techniques they developed themselves. They also developed social institutions to manage natural resources and labour. This area could give farmers in similar ecosystems some ideas for technical and social innovation. The Indigenous Soil and Water Conservation (ISWC) programme coordinated in Tigray by Mekelle University was bringing local researchers into contact with innovative Irob farmers for joint experimentation, and was organising exchange visits between Irob and other farmers.

This has been halted by the border conflict between the Eritrean and Ethiopian governments. Eritrean troops have occupied Irobland. The farmers have fled further inland. If they are to regain their rights to manage their resources (and if the ISWC programme is to continue working with the Irob), then the researchers must join the Irob in making their claims heard. Staff at Mekelle University and European members of the ISWC consortium involved in this research have therefore been drawing wider attention to the plight of the Irob.

In participatory research, scientists cannot restrict themselves to external analysis of land users as objects; they become part of the research situation, enter into personal relationships of mutual trust, recognise the farmers as colleagues, and accept their own subjectivity. All research partners share the joys of discovery and success, and should share the recognition given to research results. But they must also share the setbacks, failures, and struggles to make local resource management possible. It is the readiness of outsiders to become involved that gives them the key to participate in research with local people.

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