Documentation for change - SOURCES

Digital video: A tool for the poor by ENRAP, Knowledge Networking for Rural Development in Asia/Pacific Region, 2007. ENRAP-IDRC Regional Office for South Asia. 208, Jorbagh, New Dehli 110003, India. E-mail: enrap@idrc.org.in
Digital video is a powerful means of communication, especially for those at the grassroots with limited access to tools for sharing experiences. It is a relatively inexpensive and user-friendly tool to create, connect and communicate. ENRAP began supporting the use of DV for IFAD projects and partners in the Asis-Pacific region in April 2004. Several stakeholders participated in a comprehensive training on all aspects of DV documentation. These development workers, with little or no prior fil-making experience, were able to create short clips using DV. This pack contains all films produced by the trainees. These are meant to share their experiences with project communities and also to inform higher authorities.
http://www.enrap.org

Methodology for capitalization and enhancement of the experiences of IFAD programmes in west and central Africa by Ndèye Coumba Fall and Adama Abdoulaye Ndiaye, 2005. This document is the outcome of a request formulated by the FIDAFRIQUE network to build an approach based on the capitalization and enhancement of experiences which could be easily appropriated by the officers of IFAD projects and programmes. The experience capitalization and enhancement workshop, organised by FIDAFRIQUE in Ouagadougou from 26 to 28 September 2005, provided a special opportunity for the sharing of the initial results. The document includes an introduction followed by conceptual guidelines on the capitalization and sharing of knowledge; the presentation of the objective and characteristics of the document; the description of the approach with a view to building up knowledge and making the most of the recommended tools; and an indication on knowledge development and sharing methods, followed by the conclusion.
http://www.fidafrique.net/article467.html?var_recherche=capitalization

Learning and sharing experience by Philippe Villeval and Philippe Lavigne Delville, 2004. Groupe Initiatives, 45 bis avanue de la Belle Gabrielle, 94736 Nogent-sur-Marne Cedex, France. Serie Traverses No. 15. E-mail: gr-initiatives@groupe-initiatives.org
Experience capitalisation has both strategic and ethical importance for NGOs who must become "learning organisations" in order to improve the relevance and quality of their actions. Based on the experience of Handicap International and Gret in this area, this document attempts to provide guidelines to organisations wanting to analyse their experiences. The Traverses series, of which this document is part, seeks to contribute to a strategic and methodological debate on the institutional dimensions of development, with a multidisciplinary approach that examines different types of interventions. Document available in French, English and Spanish.
http://www.groupe-initiatives.org/pdf/traverseuk_15.pdf
(Information sent by Philippe Lavigne Delville - thank you!)

Documenting, evaluating and learning from our development projects: a participatory systematization workbook by Daniel Selener, Christopher Purdy and Gabriela Zapata, 1996. ISBN 9978-04-241-5. International Institute for Rural Reconstruction, IIRR, Y.C. James Yen Centre, Silang, Cavite 4118, The Philippines. E-mail: information@iirr.org; P.O. Box 66873, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. E-mail: admin@iirr-africa.org
Many development practitioners are departing from the traditional practice of measuring only project results, and are seeking a more comprehensive understanding of its processes as well. Systematization is a continuous process of participatory reflection on a project as processes and results, undertaken by both project staff and participants. This systematic analysis generates lessons which are fed back to improve the project, strengthening the learning and organisational capacities of development organisations. The project experiences are documented and can be shared with other organisations. This practical workbook provides an understanding of the concept of systematization; methods to plan for, follow-up, evaluate and improve project processes and results; and some useful tools for conducting the systematization process.

Recording and using indigenous knowledge: A manual by D. Abbass, E. Mathias, A.R.J. Montes, P. Mundy and T. Willard (eds.), 1996. ISBN 0942717708. International Institute for Rural Reconstruction, IIRR, Y.C. James Yen Centre, Silang, Cavite 4118, The Philippines. E-mail: information@iirr.org
This manual draws on the varied experience of IIRR staff, representing decades of participatory development field work. It does not present a new methodology for recording IK, but rather attempts to describe how existing methods can be used to do that. It does not provide ready-to-use approaches, but offers “building blocks” which users can put together to meet their specific objectives. As mentioned by the editors, it is heavily biased towards participatory methods as these are useful for capturing information on IK, but it also recognizes the limitations of participatory approaches and the value of other methods such as sample surveys and in-depth interviews. The bulk of this manual is the result of a participatory workshop held in 1994, involving many participants.

The “Most Significant Change” technique: A guide to its use by Rick Davies and Jess Dart. Version 1.00 – April 2005.  
This publication is aimed at organisations, community groups, students and academics who wish to use the “Most Significant Change” technique to help monitor and evaluate their social change programs and projects. The technique is applicable in many different sectors, including agriculture, education and health, and especially in development programs. It is also applicable to many different cultural contexts. The guide gives a clear overview of the methodology, and presents a step-bystep guide to using it. It also compares this technique to other approaches and epistemologies.
http://www.mande.co.uk/docs/MSCGuide.htm

Innovation histories: A method for learning from experience by Boru Douthwaite and Jaqueline Ashby. ILAC Brief 5, July 2005, 4 pp. The Institutional Learning and Change Initiative ; http://www.cgiar-ilac.org/downloads/Brief5Proof2.pdf
Preparing an “innovation history” is a method for recording and reflecting on an innovation process. People who have been involved in the innovation jointly construct a detailed written account (sometimes referred to as a “learning history”) based on their recollections and on available documents. The process of preparing this history stimulates discussion, reflection and learning amongst participants. Subsequent planning can build on the lessons learned, formulate a shared vision and act as a catalyst for change. Based on the initial detailed account of the innovation process, more concise informational products can be prepared that summarise the innovation process for wider dissemination of findings. These may include public awareness materials, policy briefs or articles in professional journals. This Brief describes a methodology for recording and learning from innovation histories that is currently being developed at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).
http://www.ciat.cgiar.org/ipra/ing/news_innovation_histories.htm

Documentation of farmer experiments: a key strategy for achieving food security on a sustainable basis by Edward D. Ruddell, 1994. 48 pp. World Neighbors / Vecinos Mundiales, Area Andina. Casilla 20.005, Santiago 20, Chile
Based on the work of World Neighbors in the Andrean area, this document highlights on-farm experimentation with potatoes. As the author notes, extensionists do not often systematically record the methodology followed, the conditions and exhaustive results of on-farm trials. This manual deals with the design and execution of randomized blocks for trying out various treatments, identified together with the farmers. The actual execution of the trials was monitored by knowledgeable extension workers, which proved to be very necessary, as many erroneous conclusions can be drawn from faulty observations. The author states that farmers carried out procedures in a correct manner in spite of the fact they had no previous experience with such complicated trials. To what extent these findings may be generalised for other parts of the world, remains very much to be seen.

Sistematización de experiencias: Caminos recorridos y nuevos horizontes. 2006. Number 23, La Piragua, Revista Latinoamericana de Edicación y Política. Consejo Latinoamericano de Educación de Adultos, CEAAL, Consejo de Educación de Adultos de America Latina. Oficina de la Secretaría General: Vía Cincuentenario No.84B, Coco del Mar,
Corregimiento de San Francisco, Panamá E-mail: info@ceaal.org
Este número de la revista La Piragua está dedicado totalmente a la sistematización de experiencias. Incluye una introducción por Oscar Jara ("Sistematiz ación de experiencias y corrientes innovadoras del pensamiento latinoamericano.  Una aproximación histórica"), además de otros artículos escritos por especialistas latinoamericanos como Alfredo Ghiso, María de la Luz Morgan, o Ana Bickel. Todos se basan en experiencias de trabajo en diversos países de la región.

Successful communication: a toolkit for researchers and civil society organisations by Ingie Hovland, 2005. Research and Policy in Development (RAPID) Programme, ODI 111 Westmister Bridge Road, London SE1 7JD, U.K. E-mail: rapid@odi.org.uk
The Overseas Development Institute’s RAPID Programme has been looking at the links between research and policy for several years. It is now beginning a process of identifying, developing, distributing and delivering tools, resources and training support that can help researchers inform and influence the policy process. This handbook presents work in progress on communication tools, specifically geared towards the needs of researchers in civil society organizations. The tools are grouped under the headings of Planning, Packaging, Targeting and Monitor tools.

Insights into participatory video: a handbook for the field by Nick and Chris Lunch, 2006. Insight U.K. 3 Maidcroft Road, Oxford, OX4 3EN, U.K. http://www.insightshare.org
This handbook is a practical guide to setting up and running Participatory Video projects anywhere in the world. Participatory video is a tool for positive social change; it empowers the marginalized; and it encourages individuals and communities to take control of their destinies. Readers will find the nuts and bolts of this technique: from how to set up a new project, to the key games and activities to use. Helpful tips for the facilitator clarify how to use video to encourage a lively, democratic process and not just as a means to an end. The authors draw on nearly two decades of experience of facilitating participatory video projects in the field, and share case studies and useful anecdotes, as well as responses to their work from diverse sources. The key messages are further highlighted by illustrations, cartoons and photographs. A selection of participatory videos and a training film are included on the accompanying CD-ROM.

Documentación de experiencias campesinas con uso de Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación: Un instrumento de gestión del conocimiento local by Luis Carlos Aguilar, Jocelijn Francois, Anne Piepenstock and Sergio Quispe, 2005. Fundación AGRECOL Andes. Calle Pasos Kanki no. 2134, zona Cala Cala, Cochabamba, Bolivia. E-mail: info@agrecolandes.org ; http://www.agrecolandes.org
Este libro narra la metodología empleada durante el desarrollo del Proyecto "Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación para el intercambio de experiencias campesinas en agricultura ecológica", realizado por la Fundación AGRECOL Andes y financiado por el Instituto Internacional de Comunicación y Desarrollo de los Países Bajos (IICD). La metodología que se desarrolla en el curso del proyecto está dirigida a promover un mayor involucramiento de las mujeres y hombres productores como protagonistas de este proceso de generación e intercambio de conocimientos.

Giving Voice - Practical guidelines for implementing oral testimony projects: Panos Oral Testimony Programme by Olivia Bennet / Panos Institute, London, U.K. Available free on request in English (PDF version) and in Spanish and French (hard copy) from the Oral Testimony Programme, The Panos Institute, 9 White Lion Street, London N1 9PD, U.K. E-mail: otp@panos.org.uk
Giving Voice aims to provide practical guidelines for implementing an oral testimony project. This training manual was produced in response to the many requests Panos receives for practical guidelines from individuals and organisations interested in implementing oral testimony projects. It should also serve the purpose of a training manual. Most of the manual has been written for the “coordinator” or “project manager” of a potential oral testimony exercise, who may also organise or facilitate a training and planning workshop for interviewers. Throughout the text there are pages which have been designed to be photocopied and used as handouts for participants during such a workshop – key points, checklists etc. The manual is a practical companion to the Panos book Listening for a Change, which explored the ideas behind the methodology and looked at different examples of oral testimony and development.

Metodología para sistematizar pr.cticas educativas: Por las ciudades de Italo Calvino by Beatriz Borjas, 2003. ISBN: 980-6418-52-2. Federación Internacional de Fe y Alegría, Esquina Luneta. Edif. Centro Valores, piso 7, Altagracia, Caracas 1010-A Venezuela. http://www.feyalegria.org
Este manual de sistematización intenta proporcionar los conceptos y las herramientas necesarias a las personas que quieren sistematizar prácticas educativas y de promoción social, especialmente en el campo de la educación popular; para ello, va acompañado de un conjunto de ejercitaciones que van a permitir adquirir un dominio práctico de la metodología. El manual está organizado en dos partes: la primera hace un recorrido sobre los conceptos que van delimitando el campo teórico en el cual se desenvuelven las prácticas de sistematización en el contexto de la educación popular en América Latina desde la década de los ochenta; asimismo, recoge el procedimiento metodológico que debe seguirse durante la sistematización de una practica. La segunda parte indica los temas más importantes que debería contener una práctica sistematizada. El manual ha sido construido alrededor de una metáfora: es como si la persona que va aprendiendo a sistematizar realizara un viaje hacia unas ciudades imaginarias que el escritor italiano Italo Calvino describió en su obra Las Ciudades Invisibles. Cada ciudad visitada muestra un aspecto de la sistematización, y este aspecto es presentado desde cinco perspectivas o dimensiones.

Describing and sharing practical experiences in sustainable agriculture and natural resources management for exchange through the internet by Rob Witte, Shiraz Wajih, Tabrez Nasar and Bert Lof. InterSard.
The main objective of the InterSard system is to document and systematise information on actual (field-work) efforts towards sustainable agriculture and natural resources management. By enabling development partners (both in our organisations and in a wider audience) to consult summaries of the results of earlier efforts, a learning environment can be created to help generate new ideas. Making information on actual fieldwork accessible for like-minded organisations or individuals in a searchable form would prevent unnecessary duplications of efforts, and repetitions of mistakes. It would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of promotion and extension efforts of development agencies such as non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government (extension) agencies and the academe.This paper deals with Best Practices in the context of InterSard, an Internet-based information sharing system for practitioners of sustainable agriculture and natural resources management. It is meant for potential and actual users of InterSard: organisations involved in actual fieldwork in sustainable agriculture and natural resources management. The paper elaborates the concept of Best Practices and explains the work involved and the information needed for generating and drafting Best Practice descriptions.
http://www.infosard.net/intersard/home/materials/papers/BP.htm
http://www.infosard.net/intersard/home/materials/papers/BP.pdf


Sistematización de experiencias locales de desarrollo rural. Guías de terreno by Julio Berdegué, Ada Ocampo and Germán Escobar. 2007. FIDAMERICA / PREVAL
Set of 12 guides, in Spanish, detailing from the formation of the documentation team, the identification of the experience which is to be documented, to the análisis of the information gathered. Complement the methodological guide published in 2002. Its aim is to help field practitioners and organisations linked to agricultural development projects working together with the Fondo Internacional de Desarrollo Agrícola (FIDA).This guide aims to facilitate the systematization of small scale rural development projects, as part of a wider setting: a learning process which involves a broad numebr os actors and stakeholders.

Knowledge sharing for rural development: Challenges, experiences and methods by Sally Burch, 2007. ISBN-978-9942-01-000-1. Translated from the Spanish. Agencia Latinoamericana de Información (Latin American Information Agency). Casilla 17-12-877, Av. 12 de octubre N18-24, Of 503, Quito, Ecuador. E-mail: info@alainet.org ; http://www.alainet.org
Since the "Green Revolution", world food production has grown at a dizzy pace. Yet hunger continues to spread throughout the globe, chiefly in the countryside, as small farmers are increasingly forced into ruin. The agro-industrial model is thus showing signs of fatigue. More and more peasant farmers are seeing ecological agriculture, combining ancestral and new methods, as a sustainable solution. This brings about new challenges, such as how to recover knowledge that was becoming lost, adapt it to current conditions and complement it with new knowledge. The creation of mechanisms to generate and share knowledge - both among farmers and with investigators and specialist centres -, is now a condition of survival of rural communities. This book explores these issues, combining reflections with concrete experiences that, among other things, are experimenting how new information and communications technologies can foster effective knowledge sharing.
http://alainet.org/publica/knowledge/tss%20ingles.pdf

Construcao do conhecimento agroecologico. Novos papeis, novas identidades. Caderno do II Encontro Nacional de Agroecologia. 2007. ANA, Articulacao Nacional de Agroecologia. Rua da Candelaria no. 9/6 andar 20091-020 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Este livro é o resultado de um esforco coletivo de producto e socializacao de conhecimentos sobre abordagens metodologicas empregadas por organizacoes vinculadas á ANA em suas acoes voltadas a promocao do desenvolvimento local. Os textos foram producidos pelos proprios sujeitos envolvidos nas experiencias descritas e analisadas durante a preparacao do II Encontro Nacional de Agroecologia ocorrido en Recife, Brasil, em junho de 2006. Eles revelam a enorme diversidade de caminhos pelos quais as organizacoes vem procurando aprimorar suas acoes. Em vez de certezas metodologicas, os artigos resaltam os avancos já alcancados e os obstáculos ainda enfrentados pelas entidades em suas trajetórias evolutivas.

Guía de Sistematización by Anja Nina Kramer. Programa FORTALECE (MINEC/GTZ). Calle El Mirador y 91 Avenida Norte #4709, San Salvador, El Salvador, C.A.E-mail: fortalece@fortalece.org.sv
El objetivo de esta guía es facilitar el proceso de sistematización de experiencias de programas y proyectos de desarrollo. Se dirige a instituciones del gobierno, alcaldías municipales, cooperantes, ONG’s, organizaciones comunitarias y otros actores interesados en compartir sus experiencias con otros técnicos, instituciones y beneficiarios. La guía propone una serie de pasos metodológicos, criterios, instrumentos y formatos para la realización de sistematizaciones. Se basa en instrumentos de gestión de conocimiento, y los procedimientos para la documentación de productos de la GTZ. Además, incorpora elementos de las guías metodológicas, elaboradas por Carmen de Pereira, que fueron aplicadas por las instituciones de la Red para la generación del empleo juvenil para sistematizar sus experiencias seleccionadas, en el marco de la medida propia “Integración social y económica de jóvenes en Egipto, Vietnam y El Salvador”, ejecutada por GET/ICON Institute.
http://www.gtz.de/de/dokumente/sp-sl-guia-de-sistematizacion-documento-completo.pdf

Para Sistematizar Experiencias: Una propuesta teórica y práctica by Oscar Jara Holliday, 1994. ISBN 9977-926-18-2.Centro de Estudios y Publicaciones Alforja, San José, Costa Rica. E-mail: cep@alforja.or.cr
Basándose en vivencias y reflexiones desde la perspectiva latinoamericana, pretende aportar una propuesta teórica y conceptual de sistematización, así como una propuesta metodológica y operativa que la haga viable. Está dirigido a quienes se dedican a trabajos de educación, promoción y organización popular.