The MEV-CAM initiative brings policy makers and rural communities together to improve the understanding of dryland production systems, particularly in relation to integrated landscape and forest management, restoration, food security and land degradation neutrality.
Usually, communication, monitoring, and evaluation work is largely done through words. We write, we discuss, we present, we represent, we inform, we reflect, and then we disseminate. Most of this is done vocally or through reports.
However, the people for whom this information is most relevant - the members of dryland communities - might not be served by these tools. It is undeniable that these written texts are important, but other forms of communication should also be considered too. The most important of these are videos, and in particular, participatory videos.
Participatory video
Through participatory video training, MEV-CAM empowers rural communities to document and share their knowledge, experiences and best practices of dryland landscape management. Videos taken on the ground, by active community members involved in dryland restoration practices, help capture the real situation in remote dryland areas.
The sharing of these videos helps spread best practices amongst other communities across the world affected by the same issues.
The MEV-CAM initiative goes hand-in-hand with FAO's Strategic Framework, fulfilling all of the Four Betters that are at its heart: Better production, Better nutrition, Better environment, and Better life.
