TOWARDS A ROBUST METHODOLOGY FOR CBA

BETTINA KOELLE, SHANNON PARRINGINDIGO DEVELOPMENT & CHANGE

CBA5 CONFERENCE – DHAKA 2011

THE CONTEXT• There is increasing pressure to

implement CBA projects

• There is often a lack of capacity to facilitate project design and implementation

• There is a rich pool of resources out there – scattered across DRR, development, project management, PRA, PLA, PGIS…

• We need a concise yet flexible guideline for a CBA methodology

• Including good practice based on old and new learning and experiences

SO, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?• We need to make an effort to contribute our combined rich

learning of implemented CBA projects

• We must start to reflect on our failures and learn from them

• We need to:

• draw on existing practice• suggest innovative ideas (not just same old)• move fast - to avoid maladaptation• Develop a robust guideline and training for practitioners• a robust definition of CBA (for a minimum standard)• develop (new?) ways of learning and reflection

LIVELIHOOD STRESSES

Economic

situation volatile

Social crises

Climate variability and extremes NRM challeng

es

Rural Livelihoods

• Fluctuating market prices

• Economic instability• Financial instability

• Individual level• Community level• Society level

• Uncertainty• 5-10 year forecasts• conflicting messages

• Ecosystem services• Planning for the

unknown• Access to land

Source: UNEP/GRID–Arendal, 'Climate change: processes, characteristics and threats', designed by Philippe Rekacewicz, UNEP/GRID–Arendal Maps and Graphics Library, 2005, <http://maps.grida.no/go/graphic/climate_change_processes_characteristics_and_threats> (Last accessed 01 August 2010)

Human Activities

Climate change processes

Climate Characteristics

Main threats

SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE FARMERS?

Livelihoods are even more complex (and are increasing in complexity)

Farming might be even less predictable

Dealing with uncertainty for the next 10 years

Re-evaluate livelihood options, positive learning

Using creativity and innovative ideas

Moving forward, active learning and reflection

CHALLENGES OPPORTUNITIES

Feeling overwhelmed, responding as usual, special responses to shocks only

More robust livelihoods, resilient to variety of challenges or shocks

SOME PRINCIPLES

• Careful design of projects

• Inclusive with all stakeholders

• LISTEN well, before planning

• Simple but robust

• Flexible methodology toolkit

• Joint conceptualisation and planning

• Identify possible challenges, anticipate changes

• Establish a baseline together

Address complexity of situation

Recognize individuals in the learning process

work in true partnership in all stages of the project

discuss a positive vision to move towards

Include local and scientific knowledge and synthesize

together consider special vulnerability of groups

DESIGNING A CBA PROJECT…

IMPLEMENTATIONContinuous reflection & adjustment

Learning processes are key – and fun!

Be able to respond to new ideas

Facilitate (don’t dictate) learning processes

Support experimentation and new creative ways of adaptation (by trials and monitoring)

Carry out experiments in partnership

Budget for reflection and re-planning

KEEP LISTENING

Getting into the same boat…

With a positive vision...

Instead of trying to dodge negative impacts…

learning our way towards a positive future.

Thanks to all CBAA partners

and

MechalVolkswagen FoundationHeiveld Co-operative LtdUCTEMGCSIRCCAAIDRCDFID