Landscape/Lifescape
 Our
research looks at an entire watershed as a dynamic whole, rather than at
its component parts in isolation, to understand how it is being affected
by the interaction of biophysical (landscape) and socioeconomic (lifescape)
factors at play within and around it.
|
Interdisciplinary Teamwork
 Because
of the scope and complexity inherent in studying landscape/lifescape relationships,
we feel that the age of "Lone Ranger" research is over and that collaboration
is the way of the future. Hence, our research combines methods and insights
from a variety of scientific disciplines, such as ecological, agricultural,
and social sciences, into an integrated perspective.
|
Institutional Partnerships
Our work reaches beyond the doorsteps of academia to integrate the expertise
and experience of a diverse range of partners by bringing together U.S.-based
and host-country researchers and representatives (including policymakers)
of development agencies, government institutions, grassroots organizations,
and rural communities in an equal partnership.
|
Participatory Methodologies
 Some
of these partners have never worked together and some, such as farmers
of developing countries, have never been actively involved in scientific
research. The SANREM CRSP approach builds on the experience and knowledge
of farmers, beginning with their own assesments of problems and priorities
and ending with their testing and adaptation of proposed solutions.
|
SANREM
Our
research looks at an entire watershed as a dynamic whole, rather than at
its component parts in isolation, to understand how it is being affected
by the interaction of biophysical (landscape) and socioeconomic (lifescape)
factors at play within and around it.
Because
of the scope and complexity inherent in studying landscape/lifescape relationships,
we feel that the age of "Lone Ranger" research is over and that collaboration
is the way of the future. Hence, our research combines methods and insights
from a variety of scientific disciplines, such as ecological, agricultural,
and social sciences, into an integrated perspective.
Our work reaches beyond the doorsteps of academia to integrate the expertise
and experience of a diverse range of partners by bringing together U.S.-based
and host-country researchers and representatives (including policymakers)
of development agencies, government institutions, grassroots organizations,
and rural communities in an equal partnership.
Some
of these partners have never worked together and some, such as farmers
of developing countries, have never been actively involved in scientific
research. The SANREM CRSP approach builds on the experience and knowledge
of farmers, beginning with their own assesments of problems and priorities
and ending with their testing and adaptation of proposed solutions.
The
Farmer-Back-To-Farmer Model is
central to the way SANREM CRSP works. In this model, farmers and scientists
work together in defining a problem, seeking solutions, and assessing and
adapting alternative practices to on-farm conditions. But the ultimate
decision on the utility and feasibility of proposed solutions rests with
the farmers. Once the new practices are incorporated into the farmers'
repertoire of knowledge, the process can recycle as new problems emerge.