Community-based Monitoring System Research Articles

Measuring the Unmeasurable: Decomposing Multidimensional Rural Poverty and Promoting Economic Development in the Poorest Region of Luzon, Philippines

Poverty is the oldest social problem that ever existed and is difficult to reverse. It is multidimensional and unmeasurable. Thus, measuring by decomposing rural multidimensional poverty is critical. Most poverty studies are usually generic, exposed to large sampling errors, and intended for macroeconomic decisions. Thus, measuring poverty for a specific locality with various configurations (15) is critical for economic development. The paper combines predictive analytics and advanced econometrics to decompose poverty at the micro-level by utilizing the Community-Based Monitoring system at complete enumeration (L = 34, S = 4). Logistic Regression (78) Models with 19 Independent Variables and 12 Intervening Variables were fitted. Headcount Analysis (0.2138–0.9845), Poverty Gap (0.2228–0.0502), Severity statistics (0.0723–0.0168) and Watts Index (0.2724–0.0618) are scrutinized. Poverty levels vary by location; a significant fraction of the population (P0i = 68.50%, P0f = 55.80%) and households (P0i = 63.70%, P0f = 50.70%) live below the poverty line and food threshold. It has been revealed that poverty is extreme in Isarog (i = 0.7793), moderate in Poblacion (p = 0.4019), intense in Ranggas (r = 0.6542), and severe in Salog (s = 0.6353). Multidimensional variables (13VAR) significantly predict poverty outcomes (p-value = 0.0000, PseudoR2 = 0.75). Moreover, intervening variables have been impacting poverty across all locals. All models tested are significant across all sectors and correctly predicted by the model classifications (Estat = 73.29–74.12%). Poverty is multifaceted; thus, it requires different interventions. Finally, policy proposals (54) were outlined to alleviate poverty and promote local economic development.

Trust and citizen participation in community-based monitoring system: An experimental evidence from Bangladesh

We utilize the unique setting of a public procurement project in Bangladesh to understand the relationship between trust and citizen engagement in social accountability mechanisms. In this model of civic engagement, in each project site, a citizen-monitoring group is formed to oversee the quality of implementation and report any irregularities to the authorities. We investigate whether the level of trust in the community affects the performance of their citizen-monitoring group and/or the interactions resulting from the participation in the monitoring task affects the level of trust of the monitoring group members. We measure trust using both a simplified trust game and a survey. Our finding is inconclusive to the question of whether the trust level in the community affects the performance of the citizen-monitoring group. While we find no such indication from the trust games, the data on generalized trust from the survey show a positive effect of trust on monitoring group activity. We find stronger support for the hypothesis that participation in the monitoring group affects the level of trust. According to our findings, the effect has been negative in this case. An additional aspect of our study is carrying out a simplified design that allows us to collect behavioral data effectively from a population that lacks general and technological literacy and to implement the experiment remotely under extraordinary circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Poverty Profile and Health Dynamics of Indigenous People

This paper examines the critical aspect of health dynamics in the context of poverty and development of Indigenous people (Agta Isarog & Agta Tabangnon) in Mt. Isarog, Southern Luzon, the Philippines. The datasets were gathered from the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) of Goa Municipality, complemented by IP Censuses of 2018-2019. The core poverty indicators were analyzed in aggregated and disaggregated approaches. The poverty of each locality differs yet a large portion of the entire households and population of indigenous people are living below the poverty and food thresholds. In addition, the poverty incidence, gap, and severity using headcount ratios, gap metrics, squared gap statistics, and Watts indices were evaluated. It has been revealed that the poverty of Indigenous people is moderate to intense and manageable through intervention programs and policy initiatives. It then subsequently characterized the variables of health dynamics which vary per locality, and have been impacting poverty across all barangays. To confirm whether health dynamics predict poverty occurrences, Logistic regression models were estimated in an individual and consolidated manner. Results confirm that health dynamics significantly predict poverty outcomes.

Development of Vulnerability Assessment Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction at Three Levels of Geopolitical Units in the Philippines

This study developed a comprehensive framework for vulnerability assessment as a tool to measure vulnerability at three levels of geopolitical units in the Philippines. This is a comprehensive multi-disaster framework that can provide information to a decentralized type of government system like the Philippines. The vulnerability assessment framework (VAF) that has been developed was anchored upon the IPCC model and used the integration of community-based monitoring system (CBMS) data, expert inputs, and a series of community-based activities such as consultative fora, focus group discussions, workshops, and risk reduction immersion activities. The developed VAF for the assessment of vulnerability indices (VIs) is a system framework composed of a vulnerability scoping diagram (VSD) and an expanded vulnerability assessment model (VAM). The VSD is composed of three dimensions (e.g., exposure, sensitivity, resiliency), seven identified hazards, with 26, 27, and 29 sub-indicators for household, barangay, and municipal levels, respectively. Measuring vulnerability can be an effective strategy for assessing the potential impact/s of natural disasters on society. The continuous occurrence of natural disasters in the Philippines requires enhancement of public understanding of vulnerability. This would provide transparent understanding and enhance community competency leading to the development of methodologies and tools to assess various factors and indicators of vulnerability. The information extracted from using the VAF and VSD are helpful to the local government units, especially in preparing budgets, strategies, and programs for disaster risk reduction.

Confirmatory factor analysis of vulnerability to natural hazards: A household Vulnerability Assessment in Marinduque Island, Philippines

Vulnerability to natural hazards consists of three different dimensions: exposure, sensitivity, and resilience or adaptive capacity. The current study utilized Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to analyze the interrelationship among exposure, sensitivity, and resilience simultaneously. A total of 53,344 questionnaires through 2015 Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS) were analyzed from 6 different municipalities in Marinduque Island, Philippines. CFA revealed that exposure had a significant negative correlation with resilience (β: −0.228), however, it was found to have a significant positive correlation with sensitivity (β: 0.124). In addition, sensitivity was found to have a significant positive correlation with resilience (β: 0.212). Regarding the significant indicators for each dimension, typhoon and landslide experiences were found as significant indicators for exposure; number of elderly and children were found as significant indicators for sensitivity; education, appliances, vehicles, communication access, and potable water were found as significant indicators for resilience. Although the study is limited to the selected study areas, indicators used, and spatial unites, the CFA showed to be a significant method with good results. It would be very beneficial for human factors engineers, environmental engineers, and even for geographer sparticularly related to the quantification of Local Vulnerability Index (LVI). Finally, CFA approach could also be applied and extended for utilizing other vulnerability models such as poverty vulnerability, social vulnerability, or even health vulnerability.

One Health education in Kakuma refugee camp (Kenya): From a MOOC to projects on real world challenges

Today, the world counts millions of refugees but only a fraction of them have access to higher education. Despite the multiple public health problems in refugee camps and the need to build local capacities to prevent and combat them, University level courses in public health are largely unavailable for refugees. This paper describes the development, implementation and evaluation of an innovative two-module blended-learning programme on One Health in Kakuma refugee camp (Kenya). This programme combines: (I) Interdisciplinary and multi-expert MOOC on “Global Health at the Human-Animal-Ecosystem interface”; (II) peer-to-peer learning involving students from University of Geneva Master of science in Global Health and research collaborations around specific and locally-relevant problems; (III) online mentoring and lecturing by experts from the Institute of Global Health of the University of Geneva in Kakuma. A total of 67 refugees applied to Module 1; 15 started the Module 1 in October 2017, of these 14 completed it and 6 passed the exams, finally five students started the Module 2 in October 2018 which they all passed in February 2019. Five student-led collaborative projects were developed focusing on the conception of a community-based monitoring system for prevalent diseases in the camp. With such a pedagogic approach, the programme provides an overview on Global Health challenges at the human-animal-ecosystem interface and the importance of the One Health approach, and introduces students to scientific research through interdisciplinary and international collaborations and innovation. The high number of applicants and positive feedback from students in Kakuma show the interest in One Health education in the camp. This learning experience ultimately aims at building local knowledge and capacity fostering “One Health” champions to reinforce local and national health system. This framework for One Health education could be potentially scaled up to other camps in Africa and the world.

Extension of mandatory health insurance to informal sector workers in Togo

BackgroundAbout 90.4% of Togolese workers operate in the informal sector and account for between 20 and 30% of Togo’s Gross Domestic Product. Despite their importance in the Togolese economy, informal sector workers (ISW) do not have a health insurance scheme. This paper aims to estimate the willingness-to-pay (WTP) of ISW in order to have access to Mandatory Health Insurance (MHI), and to analyze the main determinants of WTP.MethodsThis study used data from the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) project implemented in 2015 by the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP). It focusses on 4,296 ISW (2,374 in urban areas and 1,922 in rural areas, respectively). The contingent valuation method was used to determine the WTP for the MHI while the Tobit model is used to analyze its determinants.Results and discussionFindings indicate that about 92% of ISW agreed to have access to MHI, like for formal sector workers. Overall, ISW are willing to pay 2,569 FCFA (USD 4.7) per month. ISW in the poorest quintiles are willing to allocate a higher proportion of their income (15%) to the premium than the richest quintiles (2.5%). Generally, women are more interested in MHI than men, although men are willing to pay higher premiums (3,168.9 FCFA or USD 5.8) than women (2,077 FCFA or USD 3.8). Women’s lower WTP can be explained by their low levels of education and income, and a lack of employment opportunities compared to men. The gender of the head of the household, the size of the household and the education and income levels are the main determinants of WTP.ConclusionWe conclude that it is possible to extend MHI to ISW as long as their premiums are subsidized. The annual subsidy is estimated at 4.1% of the state current general budget or 96% of the health sector budget. In setting the premium, policy makers should take into account the MHI benefits package, subsidies from the government, and information about the WTP. It is important to emphasize that resource mobilization and management, as well as health services delivery, would be effective only in a context of improved governance.

An indigenous community-based monitoring system for assessing forest health in New Zealand

The underlying ethos of ‘nature’s benefits’ contributing to human wellbeing provides a common platform for understanding the function and value of biodiversity for stakeholders. Diverse societal worldviews however create differences in the way cultures relate to and understand the environment. The objective of this study was to identify community-based indicators and metrics used by Māori in New Zealand to monitor forest health and community wellbeing. Eighty semi-directed interviews were conducted with 55 forest users within the Tuawhenua tribal group to identify forest health indicators and associated gradient of metrics to assess each indicator. Indicators were grouped within nine culturally-relevant themes: (1) food procurement (mahinga kai), (2) natural productivity (hua o te whenua), (3) nature of water (āhua o te wai), (4) nature of the land (āhua o te whenua), (5) nature of the forest (āhua o te ngahere), (6) perpetual occupation of land and place (ahikaaroa), (7) spiritual dimension (taha wairua), (8) physical health (taha kikokiko), and (9) mental health (taha hinengaro). Within these themes, indicators and associated metrics were aligned within two monitoring approaches: field survey and interview-based. Community members (n = 35 individuals) were asked to prioritise field survey indicators using a seven point Likert Scale of importance. A second survey was also conducted with Tuawhenua elders (n = 43 individuals) to determine changes in the frequency of forest use by the community. A decline in the proportion of the community venturing into the forest over the last 60 years for activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, and collecting plant resources was reported. This decline in regular forest use suggests a field survey approach would be an effective method for applying community-based indicators and to gain an understanding of forest health. Forest indicators that are evaluated over a longer timeframe (months, seasons or even years), or those indicators aligned with community wellbeing, would be better evaluated using an interview-based approach. The alignment of some community-based indicators with scientific-based measures would enrich and deepen knowledge about the state of biodiversity, broaden the relevance of monitoring and reporting within indigenous communities, and help to mitigate issues of ‘shifting baselines’.

Monitoring Costs and Benefits under Conventional and Community-based Approaches used in Forest Management in Iringa District, Tanzania

Involvement of local communities in monitoring forest resources is perceived to lower monitoring costs and reduce burden to the government and ensure sustainability of those resources. This paper compared monitoring costs and benefits under conventional and community-based monitoring methods used in forest management in Tanzania. Specifically the paper intended to identify activities undertaken in conventional and community-based monitoring approaches, explore the perceptions of the local communities and experts on the two approaches, assess and compare monitoring costs in each approach and hence suggest the most effective approach for monitoring forest resources. Data were collected in eleven villages adjacent to Kitapilimwa and Nyang’oro forest reserves, Iringa district. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences and excel computer programs. Results show that under community-based monitoring approach the frequently performed activity was patrolling while in conventional monitoring was boundary consolidation. The average payment for patrolling was Tshs. 1445.46 (≈ 1.45 USD)/person/day while escorting researchers was Tshs. 2522.73 (≈ 2.52 USD)/ person/day. About 39% of the respondents perceived that people use much of their time in monitoring activities with little payments. Under community-based monitoring approach the average monitoring costs was Tshs. 11153.85 (≈ 11.15 USD)/person/year and Tshs. 114.78 (≈ 0.11 USD)/ha/year while under conventional monitoring was Tshs. 25755.73 (≈ 25.76 USD)/person/year and 392.08 (≈ 0.39 USD)/ha/year. Conventional monitoring was perceived to be more effective than community based monitoring approach in data collection activities. To ensure sustainability of forest resources in the villages, we suggest the use of both monitoring approaches than a stand-alone approach to complement each other and maximize the potentials. Mainstream it into the existing government structure to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure sustainability of conservation activities. We recommend further research to assess the effectiveness of community based monitoring system on data collection and its quality.

Increasing the Responsiveness of Health Services in Mexico's Seguro Popular: Three Policy Proposals for Voice and Power

—One of the most relevant market signals that most public health services lack is a drop in revenues. This signal is key because it can help you detect quality problems in your services and enables you to respond accordingly. Our analysis seeks to understand how Mexican public health services can substitute this market signal. To achieve this, we use the accountability framework developed in the World Development Report 2004: Making Services Work for the Poor. Three policy proposals focused on improving voice and power, building on previous efforts developed by Mexico's Ministry of Health and other organizations, are proposed for increasing the responsiveness of Seguro Popular: (1) a countrywide health ranking of states, (2) a national alert system for maternal and infant deaths, and (3) a community-based monitoring system based on the use of report cards.

Uganda's Experience with Real Time Monitoring: mTrac and U-Report

This report reviews two real time monitoring initiatives in Uganda that utilize Rapid Short Message Service (RapidSMS) technology: mTrac and U-report. mTrac is a routine data system that uses RapidSMS to accelerate the submission of community and health facility data from local to district to national levels, including disease surveillance, malaria treatment and drug stock indicators. This new system replaced the older paper-based reporting system and makes it possible for staff at health facilities to use their own mobile phones to report on stock levels and usage rates for anti-malarial medicines, with data made instantly available on a web-based dashboard to government managers. To improve response and strengthen accountability, the system also incorporates crowd-sourcing reports of service delivery complaints through an anonymous SMS hotline. In addition to providing information in a timelier manner and making information more accessible, mTrac has found widespread acceptance across local and national levels, and Uganda’s Ministry of Health has taken full ownership of its operation. Although mTrac was initially piloted in a few selected districts in late 2011, it is expected to cover all 5,000 health facilities across the country in 2013.The early experiences of mTrac offer a number of important lessons for RTM. First, the success of the rolling out of mTrac in Uganda suggests that such this type of routine data system could be adapted in many countries to achieve both cost-savings and more efficient and accurate monitoring of key supply and demand health indicators in vulnerable areas. Second, adapting multiple reporting mechanisms can maximize the quality of information received by a RTM initiative. In the case of mTrac, this is achieved by cross-checking the SMS data submitted by the health facilities with information received from the anonymous SMS hotline as well as independent reports sent by volunteer health teams at the community level. Third, RapidSMS reporting holds vast potential to enhance the inclusivity and effectiveness of service delivery systems that are tracked by integrated RTM initiatives. Not only has the electronic reporting system reduced leakage of drugs from the public health system, but mTrac has also introduced more transparency and accountability into the health system, empowered district and national managers with actionable information and helped to ensure the availability of antimalarial treatment for all Ugandan citizens. Lastly, mTrac demonstrates that systematic RTM initiatives can also serve as effective sub-national service delivery tools and support decentralization objectives.U-report, in contrast, was conceived as a social and community-based monitoring system that uses RapidSMS. It offers young Ugandans a chance to voice their opinions on issues that they care about by giving them access to a free SMS service through which they can send in text messages, respond to polls, and receive factual information and results. UNICEF developed the software application and built a web platform for managing communications between the social monitors, called U-reporters, and the central managers. Although the overall objective is to empower youth in general, specific issues tackled by U-reporters often address the needs of vulnerable children, and U-report further possesses the capability of soliciting information from specific areas as well as age groups that are vulnerable. Regarding uses, U-report raises awareness on different issues, supports community-led development, fosters information sharing, including with parliamentarians, and serves as a tool for local and national policy advocacy. At the end of 2012, there were more than 170,000 U-reporters across Uganda (average of 24) and over 200 polls posted on the website..

Socio-Economic Scale (SES) as a Measure of Economic Well-Being: A Case in Barangay Lumbia, Cagayan De Oro City, Philippines

In recent years, there have been increasing concerns on the adequacy of traditional macroeconomic statistics, like gross domestic product (GDP) as measures of current and future living conditions. Cases that made GDP an inaccurate measure for economic wellbeing rouses inquiry to utilize the information gathered from Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS) of the 629 respondents of 30 sitios of Barangay Lumbia. The barangay is one of the upland barangays in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Faster pace of economic activity is visible nearer the barangay hall or the city main road where schools, barangay hospitals, church and few business establishments are situated. Few kilometers away from the main political and business zone, activities are slower and laidback while support services are either insufficient or non-existent. Study explore on the socioeconomic condition of the residents of the 30 sitios by looking into the four socioeconomic components: poverty level, income, educational attainment and housing tenure. To further the analysis, the research derived the standardized score of the four socioeconomic components and combined them into a single socioeconomic scale normalized to a base of 100. Socioeconomic scores are reported on a seven-point categorical scale. Findings indicate that residents in the sitios with poor socioeconomic status as sitios with low socioeconomic scale. Results further signifies that the greatest number of the residents in the community has low capability to collectively sustain from shocks and are not able to take advantage to opportunities given the various resources in the community. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n2p103

KELEMBAGAAN PENGELOLAAN SUMBER DAYA PERIKANAN TANGKAP BERBASIS RESOLUSI KONFLIK DI KALIMANTAN SELATAN (Institutional of Capture Fishery Resources Management Based on Conflict Resolution in South Kalimantan)

<p>Management of fishery resources can be hampered by destructive conflict. A fairly long period of conflict, due to the institutional implications of conflict management is not effective, therefore this studyaimed to 1) map the institutional management of fishery resources, 2) reveal on the role of institutional management of fishery resources management, 3) develop a concept institutional management of capture fisheries. This study used a qualitative descriptive approach and was analyzed in narrative. The result showed that the institutions that played role in conflict management consisted of formal, non formal and community institution of traditional societies. Institutions were in a synergy in community based monitoring system of fisheries and marine resources - which consisted of society groups and have a network ranging from district to central government levels. They played a role in making operational policy for supervising and controlling fishery resources, coordinating and harmonizing the programs and activities among institutions, as well as taking actions to follow up the allegations based on the information from society groups.. Conflict resolution can be done effectively with the negotiation and facilitation techniques known as ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution). Thus, conflict management was conducted cooperatively by prioritizing on acceptable and long term output. . Application of ADR was conducted by involving the whole of law functionaries. Its application was believed could smooth the various institutional functions.</p><p><strong>Key words:</strong> capture fisheries, conflict, institutions, management, resolution</p>

INCOME AND ENERGY SOURCES AMONG AGRARIAN HOUSEHOLDS IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR LOW CARBON ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRIES

Low-carbon power comes from sources that produce fewer greenhouse gases than do traditional means of power generation. It includes zero carbon power generation sources, such as wind power, solar power, geothermal power and (except for fuel preparation) nuclear power, as well as sources with lower-level emissions such as natural and petroleum gas, and also technologies that prevent carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere, such as carbon capture and storage. This article correlated value of income from different sources to energy sources used by agrarian households in Nigeria and drew implications for low carbon development in Africa. It analysis included use of wind power for irrigation purposes, harnessing solar energy for lightening and possible cost implications. Secondary data were collected from Community Based Monitoring System Nigeria Project. Descriptive statistics, correlation and qualitative analysis were employed. The average annual income of agrarian households from different sources such as crop farming, livestock farming, petty trading, forest exploitation, remittance and labour per day was below the poverty line of $1 per day. The source of energy that had the highest number of significant correlation was electrical energy (low carbon electrical energy). It showed the possibility of pooling resources as farmers group to attract grants or equity financing to build wind mills for irrigation. The study recommended use of energy efficient bulbs to reduce CO 2 emissions. This requires creating awareness among rural dwellers of the need to make such change.

Correlates of Poverty: Evidence from the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Data

This study identified correlates of poverty for Pasay City and Mogpog, Marinduque representing an urban and a rural area in the Philippines, respectively, by utilizing the 2005 census data from its Community-Based Monitoring System. Regression models with the arcsine of the square root of barangay level poverty incidence as dependent variable were investigated which allowed the identification of the correlates of poverty at the barangay level. Results showed that the significant correlates of barangay poverty incidence were average household size, proportion of households whose housing units/lot are not owned and proportion of households who own telephone/cellphone. Furthermore, lower poverty incidences were observed in barangays located in an urban area.

Source to point of use drinking water changes and knowledge, attitude and practices in Katsina State, Northern Nigeria

In many Sub-Saharan countries such as Nigeria, inadequate access to safe drinking water is a serious problem with 37% in the region and 58% of rural Nigeria using unimproved sources. The global challenge to measuring household water quality as a determinant of safety is further compounded in Nigeria by the possibility of deterioration from source to point of use. This is associated with the use of decentralised water supply systems in rural areas which are not fully reticulated to the household taps, creating a need for an integrated water quality monitoring system. As an initial step towards establishing the system in the north west and north central zones of Nigeria, The Katsina State Rural Water and Sanitation Agency, responsible for ensuring access to safe water and adequate sanitation to about 6 million people carried out a three pronged study with the support of UNICEF Nigeria. Part 1 was an assessment of the legislative and policy framework, institutional arrangements and capacity for drinking water quality monitoring through desk top reviews and Key Informant Interviews (KII) to ascertain the institutional capacity requirements for developing the water quality monitoring system. Part II was a water quality study in 700 households of 23 communities in four local government areas. The objectives were to assess the safety of drinking water, compare the safety at source and household level and assess the possible contributory role of end users’ Knowledge Attitudes and Practices. These were achieved through water analysis, household water quality tracking, KII and questionnaires. Part III was the production of a visual documentary as an advocacy tool to increase awareness of the policy makers of the linkages between source management, treatment and end user water quality. The results indicate that except for pH, conductivity and manganese, the improved water sources were safe at source. However there was a deterioration in water quality between source and point of use in 18%, 12.5%, 27% and 50% of hand pump fitted boreholes, motorised boreholes, hand dug wells and streams respectively. Although no statistical correlation could be drawn between water management practices and water quality deterioration, the survey of the study households gave an indication of the possible contributory role of their knowledge, attitudes and practices to water contamination after provision. Some of the potential water related sources of contamination were poor source protection and location, use of unimproved water source and poor knowledge and practice of household water treatment methods, poor hand washing practices in terms of percentage that wash hands and use soap. Consequently 34 WASH departments have been created at the local government level towards establishment of a community based monitoring system and piloting has begun in Kaita local government area.

Analysis of the Impact of Changes in the Prices of Rice and Fuel on Poverty in the Philippines

The study aims to assess the impact of rising prices of rice and fuel on poverty in the Philippines. In particular, the variations in the potential effects among different group of households were analyzed using household level data. Results of the study confirm that the impact of increasing prices of rice and fuel vary across different groups of households depending on the sector of employment, level of urbanity, income group and geographical location. In fact, there are losers and gainers from the recent increases in the prices of rice and fuel. In response to higher prices, households adopted different coping mechanisms, some of which are damaging and counter-productive in the medium- and long- run. The Philippine government has also responded by implementing programs that would mitigate the negative impact of soaring prices. It is recommended that household level data for all households in the community, such as those being generated by the community-based monitoring system (CBMS) being implemented by local government units, be used to identify eligible beneficiaries through some proxy means test model. This would help reduce leakage of program benefits to the non-poor as well as ensure that the poor benefit from these programs.

Community-Based Participatory Research Helps Farmers and Scientists to Manage Invasive Pests in the Ecuadorian Andes

Participatory research has not been a conspicuous methodology in developing nations for studying invasive pests, an increasing threat to the sustainable development in the tropics. Our study presents a community-based monitoring system that focuses on three invasive potato tuber moth species (PTM). The monitoring was developed and implemented by young farmers in a remote mountainous area of Ecuador. Local participants collected data from the PTM invasion front, which revealed clear connection between the abundance of one of the species (Tecia solanivora) and the remoteness to the main market place. This suggests that mechanisms structuring invasive populations at the invasion front are different from those occurring in areas invaded for longer period. Participatory monitoring with local people may serve as a cost-effective early warning system to detect and control incipient invasive pest species in countries where the daily management of biological resources is largely in the hands of poor rural people.

Community-based Monitoring of Natural Resource Use and Forest Quality in Montane Forests and Miombo Woodlands of Tanzania

A community-based monitoring system that focuses on natural resource use and forest quality in montane evergreen forest and miombo woodland areas was developed and implemented in 23 villages in 2002 as part of a participatory forest management regime in Iringa District, Tanzania. The scheme was developed to suit the needs and capacities of locally-elected natural resource committees managing and monitoring natural forests. Rather than measuring biodiversity, the monitoring is focused on resource extraction and disturbance. High levels of commitment to the monitoring were displayed by village level managers, and the preliminary feed-back indicates that the monitoring scheme provides them with the relevant information needed to suggest appropriate management interventions. While external support has been essential to cover development costs, natural resource revenue generated at village level can provide most of the running costs. Once developed, the scheme can, however, be transferred to similar areas at significantly lower costs that can be met by Tanzanian District budgets. Natural resource revenue generated from montane forests is generally much lower than in woodland areas due to restrictions on resource extraction imposed as a consequence of national and international interests. Opportunities to provide economic incentives for montane forest managers through direct utilisation of the resource are limited and it remains to be seen whether other non-economic incentives can sustain long term commitment in these biodiversity rich areas. Findings indicate that the key elements of this local resource utilisation monitoring scheme are simplicity, incentive mechanisms, transparency and accountability, and autonomy for local managers. However, the methods may not provide sufficient data on changes in biodiversity values in the high value forests and may need to be augmented by conventional monitoring by scientists funded by national or international institutions. Elements of the scheme are now being institutionalised within the forestry sector in Tanzania.