Participatory SLM Action Planning
Type: Approaches
Creation: 2014-07-03 00:00 Updated: 2017-08-03 09:22
Compilers: Karma Dorji
Reviewers: Fabian Ottiger
Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied
- Country: Bhutan
- Region/ State/ Province: Chhukha, Trashigang and Zhemgang Dzongkhags
- Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: 9 separate geogs
Description of the SLM Approach
Short description of the Approach
A methodology to identify in a participatory manner at village level land-based problems, its causal factors and mitigation measures to reduce land degradation and enhance rural livelihoods
Detailed description of the Approach
Aims / objectives: Participatory SLM Action Planning (SLM AP) is a methodology that aims at prioritiz-ing possible SLM interventions to mitigate the most critical land degradation issues. Priorities are based on the identification of land-based livelihoods and livelihood resources, the key area-based problems and their causes. SLM AP is carried out in the SLMP geogs (block) at chiog (village) level, including all community households. It involves elements of PRA/PLA such as problem census, cropping calendars, history lines, natural resource mapping and builds on the in-depth knowledge and understanding of farming households of their land, their problems and opportunities. The process is highly visual to include the illiterate and very interactive by giving the communities the lead in prioritizing their problems and deciding on SLM interventions.
Methods: The SLM AP is an iterative process, starting with building and training SLM planning teams (GSPTs) at geog level, comprising of extension staff and locally recruited geog SLM planners (GSPs) and geog administration staff. The GSPTs start awareness and mobilization activities in the first year at geog council level. This is followed by a 3 day SLM AP in each and every chiog of the geog to compile a chiog SLM action plan. The village SLM APs are combined into a geog SLM AP and discussed, amended and endorsed in a public meeting by the geog council. The necessary budget is allocated by SLMP project and implementation of the planned activities takes place at chiog level.
Stages of implementation: Implementation is preceded by intensive training and capacity building of the communities in SLM activities. In the second year a new SLM AP round is made, lasting only one day, with review of the previous SLM AP at chiog level. Potential new activities are identified, based on field experiences, to complete the new SLM AP for year 2. In the final year 3, a last SLM AP round is made in all chiogs to compile chiog and ultimately a geog SLM AP.
Role of stakeholders: SLM AP is an inclusive process and gender sensitive, with focus on vulnerable households. The approach includes participatory Natural Resource mapping at chiog level and participatory Monitoring & Evaluation to track implementation progress and impact and to get feedback of the communities.
Other important information: Environmental and social screening procedures are applied to exclude any negative impact on the land or on social groups. SLM AP was piloted in 3 geogs in 3 Dzongkhags since 2006 and has been rolled out to more than 130 chiogs in 9 geogs.
Photos of the Approach
- 📍 Samchoeling chiog, Goshing geog, Zhemgang Dzongkhag, Zhemgang
- 📷 Hans van Noord (Schoutenkamp 43 Heteren The Netherlands)
- 📍 Samchoeling chiog, Goshing Geog, Zhemgang Dzongkhag, Zhemgang
- 📷 Hans van Noord (Schoutenkamp 43 Heteren The Netherlands)