How to document an SLM practice
From the selection of the questionnaire to collecting data in the field and entering the data into the database – ‘How to’ Guide for the WOCAT Database
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- How to document an SLM practice
WOCAT provides standardized, user-driven, open-access, globally-used tools and methods for the documentation and assessment of sustainable land management (SLM) practices. SLM in the context of WOCAT is defined as the sustainable use of land resources – including soils, water, vegetation, and animals. WOCAT focuses on efforts to prevent and reduce land degradation and restore degraded land through improved land management technologies and approaches to implement these. All practices may be considered, whether they are indigenous, newly introduced through projects, or recent innovations by land users. All information documented through WOCAT questionnaires is made available in the Global SLM Database and can be used to disseminate SLM knowledge and improve decision-making for further implementation and spreading of SLM practices.
Technology or Approach?
Are you going to document an SLM Technology or an SLM Approach – or both? And what is the difference between the two?
Help us to improve WOCAT
Thank you for contributing to the Global SLM Database with good quality data on SLM! WOCAT provides flexible and user-driven tools. Help us to improve the existing questionnaires and contribute to the development of new questionnaire modules on specific topics related to SLM. Send your inputs or feedback to wocat.cde@unibe.ch
An SLM Technology is a physical practice in the field that controls land degradation and/ or enhances productivity. A Technology consists of one or several measures, such as agronomic, vegetative, structural, and management measures.
An SLM Approach defines the ways and means used to implement one or several SLM Technologies. It includes technical and material support, involvement and roles of different stakeholders, etc. An Approach can refer to a project/ programme or to activities initiated by land users themselves.
The two questionnaires together provide the full picture of an SLM practice. Ideally, you first fill in the questionnaires on SLM Technologies followed by the questionnaire on SLM Approaches. An Approach should always be linked to one or several Technologies. Optional thematic modules provide in-depth information on specific topics (such as Climate Change Adaptation, Carbon Benefits / Climate Change Mitigation, Watershed and Runoff, and Mapping Land Degradation and Conservation).
Field Work
Familiarize yourself with the paper questionnaire (download here). Go through the questions and read the instructions below. Contact the WOCAT Secretariat if you have questions. Start filling in the questionnaire based on your knowledge and existing documents. Please write clearly and legibly. If you intend to fill in the entire questionnaire from the office, you will tend to do so based on your preconceived ideas, which are not always correct. Therefore, we highly recommend you to go to the field. Identify land users and other key resource persons with in-depth knowledge of the SLM Technology/ Approach (ideally a team of specialists with different backgrounds and experience). Collect data in the field: gather information through interviews with land user(s) and key resource persons, take measurements and photos, and make technical drawings.
Enter the information in the Database
Enter the compiled information in the Global SLM Database. Go to the WOCAT Database and create a new SLM Technology/ Approach data entry form. Type the data collected – section by section, and upload images and other digital files. The database will guide you on how to edit and submit your data for review, making sure it is complete, clear, and comprehensible. You can invite editors (registered WOCAT users) to help you.
Please keep in mind: each Technology and each Approach needs a separate questionnaire!
Roles
Compiler: The compiler is responsible for this data entry and can invite editors (WOCAT users) to help create it. Once the data entry is complete the compiler can submit it for review.
Editor: Editors can edit the SLM Technology / Approach, but they cannot submit it for review or invite other editors.
Reviewer: The reviewer can approve or reject the SLM Technology / Approach and can edit it.
Publisher: The publisher can approve or reject the SLM Technology / Approach and can edit it.
WOCAT Secretariat: The WOCAT Secretariat can review and publish the SLM Technology / Approach. The secretariat can also assign reviewers and publishers.