2. Approach and Scope

This paper is the output of a learning process and is intended to create the backdrop for a further round of consultations. The development approaches that were used as basis for this study are: Sustainable Livelihoods (SL); Farming Systems (FS); Integrated Rural Development (IRD); Gestion de terroirs (GT); and Latin American approaches.^[7]

The broad cultural and linguistic divisions chosen were Anglophone, Francophone and Latin American. The core team consisted of four consultants - one Anglophone, one Francophone and two from Latin America - one volunteer and three FAO members of the LSP; who again represented different linguistic backgrounds, as well as different services.

We began the process with a literature review which examined the history, evolution and experience of these approaches as it emerged from existing texts, followed by a brief comparison between these approaches^[8]. Four methods have been used, so far, to explore the role that development approaches play in FAO working practice.

1. Interviews - Seventy interviews were conducted within FAO Services, which covered all the technical divisions. The participants were predominantly members of the three main linguistic groups, although there were also a number of interviewees from other regions and linguistic groups. The objective of these interviews was to gain a greater insight into what context, and for what purpose, FAO officers use different development approaches. If development approaches per se were not used (as is usually the case) we explored the principles, methodologies and tools which were likely to be used instead. We examined the similarities and differences between these principles, methodologies and tools within the different cultural and regional contexts. We also explored current practice, knowledge gaps and needs, related to different purposes, such as fund raising; design; implementation; and monitoring and evaluation.

2. Seminars -Two seminars were held - one Spanish-speaking and one Francophone. The Spanish-speaking seminar focused on the applicability and relevance of SL to the Latin American context. The Francophone seminar focused more on the structural issues with which people were experiencing problems within projects, and the extent to which these could be addressed through the use of Francophone approaches. Other issues explored include the potential contribution of Francophone approaches to SL and what the potential for improvement and building on ‘best practices’. The spin-off effect of these seminars was to create a temporary community of interested people reflecting together on development issues, successes and difficulties on the basis of a common language.

3. Default Meetings - The purpose of these meetings was to keep interested people (from our sub-programme interviews and the seminars) updated with our progress and to engage them in decisions as to how the process could be continued. The meetings also enabled a greater interaction between FAO officers working in different services regarding the issues of approach and methodology. The default meetings were held informally every Thursday

As is evident from the methodology outlined above, this paper essentially represents a review of FAO experience on the use of people centred approaches. While we have carried out a literature review and draw on some of its findings, the practical experience of FAO staff is our primary focus. The paper offers an initial summary of findings that, with the further participation of FAO staff and a few external resource people, can be used to create the means to access and apply development approaches that are relevant and pragmatic and take into account time and institutional constraints.