Participatory Selection Research Articles

Community participation through women’s health collectives promoted by India’s National Urban Health Mission: a realist evaluation in Chhattisgarh state

BackgroundThe urban poor especially women slum dwellers face health inequity including disproportionate challenges in participating meaningfully in government programmes on health and its social determinants. To allow equitable participation of the urban poor in health, India’s National Urban Health Mission has promoted women’s health collectives known as the Mahila Arogya Samitis (MAS) in urban slums since 2013. No evaluations of this important government initiative are available.MethodsA realist evaluation was conducted. A sequential exploratory mixed-method approach involving the following steps was applied − 1) Developing the Initial Programme Theory on action and outcomes of MAS; 2) Testing the programme theory through quantitative and qualitative methods; and 3) Refining and consolidating the theory.ResultsOver three years preceding the survey, 59.1% of MAS in Chhattisgarh had taken action on healthcare related problems, 74.1% on food-security and nutrition, 60.8% on gender-based violence, 56.4% on drinking water, 70.8% on sanitation and 64.1% on social environment related issues. Around 95.3% MAS had taken action on at least one of the above six domains. The community participation through MAS was not limited to increased uptake of healthcare services but to a wider people-centred agenda on social determinants of health. The MAS were able to devise multiple strategies for identifying and solving the problems. Participatory selection of women as MAS members, autonomy in decision making, appropriate training design, regular meetings and facilitation provided to MAS by the community health workers emerged as the main enablers to their human-rights orientation and action. Their work is facilitated by the supervisory cadre under the Mitanin program under the leadership of State Health Resource Centre. The social recognition gained by women members of MAS acted as the key source of motivation to sustain their action. However, there are limitations to the actions taken by MAS. The action taken by MAS remained limited to their immediate surroundings, and they were unable to improve public accountability at the higher echelons, or bringing policy-level changes.ConclusionThe MAS experience in Chhattisgarh offers an example of effective community participation of urban poor in health through a process that empowers the underprivileged women. Equitable community processes require appropriate design and need to be nurtured through capacity building and facilitation guided by a similar ethos. The government can further enhance community participation and advance equity in health by allowing collectives such as the MAS a greater say in health planning and monitoring.

PARTICIPATORY GENETIC BREEDING OF AMAZON TUCUMÃ PALM WITH SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN THE AMAZON REGION

A participatory plant breeding (PPB) initiative for tucumã palm (Astrocaryum aculeatum G. Meyer) was conducted with smallholder farmers in Central Amazon, Brazil. The research evaluated growth parameters, development characteristics, and fruit quality in two distinct plantations over a 12-year period, involving 276 palms. Significant differences in growth parameters were observed for diameter at breast height (26.8 ± 3.2 cm vs 23.4 ± 2.8 cm), total height (8.9 ± 0.8 m vs 8.1 ± 0.7 m), and crown diameter (6.4 ± 0.9 m vs 5.8 ± 0.8 m). The result revealed that the management from the beginning of a tucumã plantation plays an important role in the development of this palm and is crucial for the establishment of plantations with fruit of superior quantity and quality and contributes to better plant health conditions. The participatory selection process identified superior genotypes based on fruit quality traits, with considerable variation in pulp percentage and fruit weight. This collaborative approach between researchers and smallholder farmers provided valuable insights for tucumã breeding, combining traditional knowledge with scientific methodology. Thus, the results demonstrate the potential of the PPB approach as a tool for developing superior tucumã varieties while maintaining genetic diversity and adapting to local conditions.

The Relationship Between the Constitutional Judges’ Selection by the House of Representatives and The Position of Judges in Judicial Review Decisions

The two issues raised in this study are the selection mechanism for constitutional judges nominated by the House of Representative (DPR) and the correlation between the selection of constitutional judges nominated by the DPR and the position of the judge in the decision to review the law. This research analizes the position of the constitutional judges on 8 judicial review decision which correlated to the authority and interests of the DPR. Judges who are nominated through a highly transparent and participatory selection process or a transparent and participatory process may rule in favor of or against the interests of the DPR. However, judges who are nominated through a selection process that is not transparent and participatory will all make decisions in favor of the interests of the DPR. That finding show that the judge nominated through a highly transparent and participatory selection process tends to be more independent than the judge nominated through less transparent and participatory selection process.

Evaluation of Banana Varieties through Farmer’s Participatory Selection at Teppi, Southwestern Ethiopia

Participatory varietal selection was conducted in Southwestern part of Ethiopia to evaluate the performance of banana cultivars and to identify farmers’ preference and selection criteria in the study area. Seven banana cultivars collected from Melkassa agricultural research center were evaluated in single plot in 2020-2023 main cropping season. Farmers’ evaluation was made at two different stages of the crop, namely at vegetative and at maturity using both direct-matrix and pair-wise ranking methods of selection scheme. Farmers’ set; plant height, disease resistance/tolerance, fruit size and yield as selection criteria to evaluate and identify their preferred cultivars. The results of analysis of variance indicated the existence of highly significant differences among cultivars for all traits measured at 5% probability level. From the previous experiments, the highest mean yield was obtained from the cultivar William I (45.32 t/ha), Dinke-1 (45.1 t/ha), Lady Finger (40.16 t/ha) and Poyo (40 t/ha). Likewise, these three cultivars (William, Dinke-1, and Lady Finger) were identified as farmers preferred cultivars from both pair-wise and direct matrix ranking evaluations. Thus, these cultivars were chosen for their performance in the field and from farmers' evaluation perspective. Moreover, this study indicated participatory varietal selection is a viable method to gain greater insight into farmers’ perceptions, preferences, merits and shortcomings of banana cultivars. Therefore, based on the results of this study, William I, Dinke-1 and Lady Finger cultivars are recommended for multiplication and distribution to farmers in the area and similar agro-ecologies.

Evaluation of Hot Pepper Varieties through Farmer’s Participatory Selection at Teppi area, Southwestern Ethiopia

Three hot pepper varieties were evaluated in single plot in 2022/23 main cropping season. Farmers’ evaluation was made at two different stages of the crop, namely at vegetative and at maturity using both direct-matrix and pair-wise ranking methods of selection scheme. Farmers’ set; green pod yield, disease tolerance, pod color and size as selection criteria to evaluate and identify their preferred varieties. The results of analysis of variance indicated the existence of highly significant differences among varieties for all traits measured at 5% probability level. The highest mean green pod yield was obtained from the variety Melka Awaze (11.39 t/ha) and Melka Zala (8.39 t/ha). Likewise, these two varieties were identified as farmers preferred varieties from both pair-wise and direct matrix ranking evaluations. Thus, the varieties Melka Awaze and Melka Zala were chosen for their performance in the field and from farmers' evaluation perspective. Moreover, this study indicated participatory varietal selection is a viable method to gain greater insight into farmers’ perceptions, preferences, merits and shortcomings of hot pepper varieties. Therefore, based on the results of this study, Melka Awaze and Melka Zala varieties are recommended for multiplication and distribution to farmers in the area.

Increasing sorghum yields for smallholder farmers in Mali: the evolution towards a context-driven, on-farm, gender-responsive sorghum breeding program

This case study explores a decades long evolution towards a gender-responsive sorghum breeding program in Mali. With known disparities in men and women’s access to the resources that improve agricultural productivity and evidence that gender roles and responsibilities shape knowledge and preferences about varieties, there is need for methods that support gender-responsive processes in plant breeding programs. Gender-sensitive and gender-responsive approaches in plant breeding may increase varietal options available to diverse end-users, increase adoption, and limit negative impacts on vulnerable populations. We assess a participatory plant breeding program in Mali to identify determinants of gender-responsive breeding programs. The analysis uses a case study methodology that draws upon project reports, theses, articles, and experiential knowledge to understand how the sorghum breeding program transitioned over time. This case study details (a) more than a decade of sorghum breeding activities and research that led to (b) the inclusion of women in participatory plant breeding, culinary tests, and large-scale participatory selection in on-farm trials, reaching hundreds of women each year and (c) iterative co-learning processes to develop preferred sorghum varieties and increase sorghum yields on men and women’s fields. Analyses indicated that collaborations among many institutions on-farm with community actors, research across various disciplines such as agronomy and social sciences, context-specific breeding, and long-term funding were essential to increasing gender sensitivity and responsive in the breeding efforts.

Participatory research processes for the production of plant material in food security context

The production of quality seed constitutes one of the main challenges for food security and sovereignty of both urban and rural populations, requiring processes that recognize not only the potential of the territories but also the diversity associated withpeasant communities and their forms of production. , so as to reduce the gaps resulting from the use of seeds of low or no physical, genetic, physiological and sanitary quality that reduce the impact on the yields of banana, pineapple and cassava crops. To this end, a participatory research process was carried out to meet the demand for projects that improve the food and nutritional security of the population of the department of Casanare -Colombia. As a result, the methodology was implemented based on meetings with producers of productive systems for the construction of knowledge from social cartography, the preparation of economic calendars and mappings of actors and needs. This reading of the environments allowed the development of activities for the participatory selection of planting materials, processes of intensive multiplication of materials, as well as the transformation and production of banana, pineapple and cassava derivatives. The conclusions have to do with the importance of considering the producer as an active participant in the research processes in the construction of knowledge that contributes to the generation and appropriation of solutions based on science, technology and innovation in favor of food security and with this the reduction of poverty. In the near future, it is planned to carry out a training process for trainers with allied universities to leave installed capacities and to promote access and availability of quality seed.

Level of Pest Infestation on Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Variety BL-50 in Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatera Province, Indonesia

West Sumatra Province is one of the cocoa production centers in Indonesia. Cocoa farmers in the Lima Puluh Kota District in West Sumatera Province had successfully developed a superior clone of cocoa plants resulting from participatory selection, which was later coded BL-50. The main pests that attack cocoa plants are the urgent problem in cocoa cultivation, resulting in decreased productivity. This study aims to determine the level of significant pest attacks on cocoa varieties BL-50 in Tanah Datar Regency. This research is in the form of a survey with a purposive sampling method. Sampling is carried out systematically diagonally in the field. The highest attack rate of Cocoa Fruit Borer in Tanah Datar Regency is in Rambatan District, with the percentage of affected plants, the percentage of infested fruits, and the highest attack intensity, respectively 51,.25%; 31.58% and 21.10%, the lowest were in Lintau Buo Utara District with 30.93%; 20.70% and 13.96%. The highest attack rate of cocoa fruit-sucking ladybugs in the BL-50 variety is in Rambatan District, 66.09%, 45.07%, and 30.45%. At the same time, the lowest is in the Lintau Buo Utara District, with a percentage value of 41.56%, 27.66%, and 18.30%. Excellent and regular land sanitation activities have played a role in minimizing the level of pest attacks in Lintau Buo Utara.

Participatory selection and ranking of farm-level sustainability indicators

Measuring agricultural sustainability requires operational definitions and customised indicators, which should ideally be tailored to each country’s context and reflect the full participation of key stakeholders. BEREKET HAILE, ANDREW DOUGILL and ABEL RAMOELO report on their study in which farmers, extension workers and experts collectively drew up a comprehensive list of indicators from relevant literature that can be used to inform researchers worldwide in selecting pragmatic indicators for assessing agricultural sustainability.

Participatory Varietal Selection and Agronomic Performance Evaluation of Kik-Type Field Pea Varieties in Guji zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract: In the main cropping season of 2021, a field experiment was carried out in the Bore, Dama, and Anna Sora districts of the Guji Zone on stations and farmers’ fields. The experiment’s goal was to compare agronomic traits with farmer input to evaluate on-farm varieties, choose farmers’ favorite varieties, and then recommend the best performing varieties for the Guji Highland field pea production regions. At the Bore Agricultural Research Center, an on-station experiment was conducted utilizing RCBD with three replications. Ten enhanced kinds that were introduced both nationally and regionally were tested and chosen based on their desirable characteristics. From each district, two farmer’s fields were used, and the farmer’s fields were replicated. Farmers employed a variety of factors in addition to agronomic information, such as days to blooming, plant height, pods per plant, and seed per pod, to evaluate field pea varieties. Growth habits, production performance, disease and insect resistance, marketability, and diet compatibility were the main selection criteria used by farmers. The majority of farmers chose the Burkitu variety, followed by the Bamo variety, based on the selection criteria. The analysis of the agronomic data also showed that the selected varieties for the farmers were chosen for their high yielding and other assessed qualities. Bilalo had the highest seed yield (4167 kg/ha), followed by Bamo (3312 kg/ha), and Adi (3104 kg/ha), according to the results of the combined analysis.Due to its excellent grain output, appealing seed color, large seed size, and overall preferable field performance, the Burkitu variety was chosen. These findings suggested that farmers had a thorough understanding of how to choose and decide on the chosen better varieties in comparison to the inferior types. Keywords: Farmers’ Criteria: kik-Type: Participatory Selection: Ethiopia

Genotype Selection, and Seed Uniformity and Multiplication to Ensure Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) var. Liborino

Seed uniformity and stability testing, and multiplication, are key steps in the seed supply chain of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and other crops. Optimizing agronomical practices in these phases can ultimately ensure seed quality and availability, and germplasm prospective utilization. However, farmers have rarely standardized seed testing and propagation protocols in local common bean landraces conserved in situ. An example of this is the Liborino variety (var.), a promising yellow Andean common bean known for its presumably high digestibility and adaptation to the local conditions of the Cauca river canyon (northwest Andes of Colombia), but likely experiencing genetic erosion after decades of suboptimal propagation. Therefore, this work intended to evaluate and select locally adapted genotypes of common bean var. Liborino for commercial use, to be later multiplied, evaluated by participatory breeding, and eventually shared with farmers. Specifically, we evaluated 44 accessions of var. Liborino common bean in six adaption and yield field trials in the Cauca river canyon at 1100 and 1400 m a.s.l, and in AGROSAVIA’s “La Selva” research station at 2100 m a.s.l. In parallel, we carried out standardized seed multiplication of a Liborino genotype using best practices to guarantee uniformity and stability. From the 44 accessions, nine were well adapted to the tested local conditions. Four of these accessions exhibited a bush type growth habit, while the remaining five were climbers. The trials revealed maximum average extrapolated yields of up to 1169.4 ± 228.4 kg ha−1 for the bush types (G8152) and up to 1720.0 ± 588.4 kg ha−1 for the climbers (G51018), both at 2100 m a.s.l. Three climbing accessions matched farmers’ expectations for seed coat color and shape, according to a participatory selection exercise. Uniform and stable seed of the selected genotype was delivered in 2022 to 39 farmers, ~6.5 kg of seeds per farmer. Our results will allow implementing bean genetic improvement pipelines, promoting var. Liborino commercialization, and boosting the economic and sustainable development of the rural communities in the Cauca river canyon. Seed uniformity testing and multiplication pipelines must be extended to other bean landraces conserved in situ.

Evolutionary Participatory Selection for Organic Heterogeneous Material: A Case Study with Ox-Heart Tomato in Italy

Cultivars specifically adapted to organic agriculture are lacking in most crops, and tomato is no exception. Evolutionary-participatory breeding (EPB) combines the adaptive ability of evolutionary populations with farmers’ selection, thus representing a cost-effective strategy for the development of novel organic heterogeneous material, as introduced by the European regulation on organic agriculture (EU) 2018/848. An F4 ox-heart tomato composite cross population (CCP), derived from a half-diallel cross of four local varieties chosen for their superior performance under organic conditions, was submitted to both natural and farmers’ selection on three organic farms and at one research station in Italy. During field days held at each location before harvest, farmers visually scored 400 plants, all of which were carried forward to develop the natural selection (NS) population, while the 20 best ranking plants were chosen to develop the farmers’ selection (FS). After two cycles of selection (2018 and 2019), one NS and one FS population were obtained at each location. After this two-year selection process, in 2020, the eight populations (four NS and four FS), were evaluated in a randomised complete block trial in the four locations of selection and evolution. Four local varieties chosen by farmers and two modern varieties (one open pollinated variety and one F1 hybrid) were added as controls. The ANOVA showed significant differences among entries for all traits. Entry-by-location interactions were larger than the genetic effect for the overall evaluation, yield at first harvest, total yield and percentage of marketable yield. This confirms the importance of decentralising selection when seeking to develop specifically adapted varieties and/or populations. Evidence was observed of the effectiveness of participatory selection for improving the yield at first harvest, with a slight trade-off effect for the total yield and plant vigour.

Participatory Varietal Evaluation and Selection of Shiro-type Field Pea in Highland Districts of Guji zone

A field experiment was conducted in Bore on station and farmers field of Bore, Dama and Anna Sora districts of Guji Zone in 2021 main cropping season. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate released field pea varieties for their adaptability and yield potential with the involvement of farmers and to recommend the best performing varieties for field pea producing areas of Guji highland. The experiment was laid out in RCB Design with three replications. Five nationally and regionally released varieties were included in the experiment. The combined analysis of variance showed significant difference (P<0.05) among varieties for number of pods plant-1 , hundred seed weight and seed yield. Bursa and Weib were the best yielding varieties with seed yield 4463 and 4410 kg ha-1 , respectively. Farmers evaluated and selected the varieties depending on their own criteria’s. Based on farmers’ selection criteria, Bilalo and Bursa were selected as the first top ranking varieties respectively. Therefore, these two varieties are recommended for Bore, Ana Sorra, Dama and similar agro ecologies of Guji Zone for production and scaling up programs. Keywords: Field Pea: Varieties: Participatory Selection: Shiro-Type

Evaluation and Participatory Selection of Newly Released Variety for Tef Growing Areas of Benishangul Gumuz Region

Abstract: Tef Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) r) is a panicle bearing C4 self-pollinated cereal that originated and diversified in Ethiopia. Urbanization displaces the major tef production belts of the country resulting a serious threat to this an income-generating preferred endemic grain and emerging global commodity. Tef should now expand its horizons to all suited agro-ecologies and poise the country to take advantage of the emerging global opportunities. So, the aim of the study was to evaluate the best performing improved tef variety/es and advances the outstanding and tef variety/ies via participatory variety selection to large scale demonstration by incorporating farmers’ selection criteria. To strengthen the partnership of tef growers in order to enhance adoption levels and reduce limited technology outreaching. The trial was composed of 12 newly released tef variety including one standard check and one local check. As results of combined analysis of the two year data indicated that there was high (p≤0.01) significant difference among most of the varieties at variable traits. Accordingly; 50% heading, 95% maturity, Plant height, panicle length, grain yields exhibit significant difference indicates the presence of large genetic variation among the genotypes and further improvement through simple selection is possible; whereas lodging index and shoot biomass were non-significant indicating no genetic variability between genotypes in these two traits which insures further improvement of the varieties with this traits is limited success. Thus; DZ-Cr-429 (Neguse) 1335.9 (kg/ha), Areka-1 1257.1 (kg/ha), and Quncho 1071.3 (kg/ha) revealed the highest grain yield. Farmers’ visual selection of the varieties based on grain yield, white seed color, panicle length, low loading index, and high shoot biomass and plant height was practiced. Thus; farmers’ selected DZ-Cr-429 (Neguse) 65 total scores, Quncho 52 total scores and Areka-1 39 scores respectively with rank of one to third as overall preference of the farmers. The three varieties DZ-Cr-429 (Neguse), Quncho and Areka-1 were recommended in that DZ-Cr-429 (Neguse), and Areka-1 on the yield advantage of the varieties and Quncho for the honor of farmer’s preference by common discation and similar consensus based on the results of field experiment and farmers preference.

VARIABILITY OF AGRO-MORPHOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HYBRID SORGHUM VARIETIES IN BURKINA FASO

Sorghum is the first cereal grown in Burkina Faso. It is produced in all regions of the country, however yields in the field are very low. In view of this low productivity, new hybrid varieties have been introduced from Brazil and Mali. Our study aims to evaluate their agro morphological and nutritional characteristics in order to disseminate the most efficient genotypes. A completely randomized block device with three (03) repetitions has been set up at the Farako-Bâ research station. Observations focused on five (05) agro morphological traits such as the semi-flowering cycle, plant height, panicle length, weight of a thousand grains and yield and six (06) biochemical traits including total water, total sugar, protein, fat and mineral content. Analysis of variance and heritability in the broad sense were performed. Our results showed both agro morphological and biochemical variability between the varieties evaluated. Heritability in the broad sense has also shown that all traits studied are under the influence of genetic rather than environmental factors. In general, hybrids obtained semi-dwarf sizes and yields above 4000 kg/ha. The control variety KAPELGA recorded the highest values of protein and mineral content. The highest sugar content is obtained in the hybrid XBS60015 with 17.82 μg Glu/100mgMS. Correlation analyses have shown that there is a negative and very highly significant correlation (-0.86) between yield and protein content. The most efficient hybrids will be able to be disseminated following participatory selection tests on different sites nationwide.

Specific cultural and political challenges in cross-border public participation

Abstract. The Site Selection Act (StandAG) regulates the individual procedural steps for a scientifically sound, participatory and transparent search and selection of a site for the safe final disposal of high-level radioactive waste. The result should be supported by a broad social consensus; those affected should be able to tolerate the outcome. For Germany, as the European country with the most neighbouring states, it is likely that some of the sub-areas, siting regions and possible sites defined in the selection procedure will be located on or in the immediate vicinity of one or more national borders; however, in the construction of a repository for high-level radioactive waste, “affectedness” does not stop at national borders, so that the public (citizens and other stakeholders) from neighbouring countries must be involved in the participation processes at an early stage and on an ongoing basis. The focus of this presentation lies on the challenges of cross-border participation based on previous experience in other subject areas and specific cultural and political framework conditions in neighbouring countries. We therefore address the following questions: What risks and obstacles must be taken into account in cross-border public participation and how can these be overcome? What specific cultural and political framework conditions exist in neighbouring countries and to what extent can these have an effect? The literature on cross-border cooperation describes that regions that cooperate across borders face particular challenges because they are each integrated into different national, institutional and legal systems in which responsibilities and competences may be assigned differently (cf. Beck, 2018; Scherer and Zumbusch, 2011; UNECE, 2009). Identifying and implementing success factors is a major challenge and can at the same time be an important prerequisite for successful transboundary participation in the search for a repository. Indications in this respect can be derived from other cross-border procedures between Germany and neighbouring states (cf. Abromeit, 2007; Nijsten and Paulussen, 2004; Saxenhofer et al., 2017). Participation and its manifestation within a state, a region or a specific place is strongly dependent on the respective cultural and political framework conditions. Nation states have different characteristics in their political systems as well as political cultures (Rogoff, 2015; Enserink et al., 2007). In Western Europe they differ primarily in terms of their democratic model, i.e. whether, for example, they are more parliamentary-representative or direct-democratic and whether there are more centralised or decentralised responsibilities and decision-making powers. The political culture is primarily determined by the way state and non-state actors interact and cooperate with each other, which is also reflected in the way public participation in decision-making is handled. Historical factors play an important role here. In certain thematic fields or issues, there can be a long tradition of cooperative processing and solving of problems. The research project HErüber (Sperfeld et al., 2021), which is commissioned by the Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management (BASE), analyses specific risks and obstacles, as well as cultural and political framework conditions. Based on a literature review, first results are presented.

Participatory Selection of Amaranthus Genotypes in the KwaMbonambi Area, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Participatory variety selection (PVS) is a process that tests promising genotypes in farmers’ fields through a close farmer–researcher collaboration approach, which enhances the acceptance of new varieties by farmers. However, limited studies have been conducted to select Amaranthus genotypes that have potential for future breeding programmes in South Africa. Therefore, this study was aimed at selecting Amaranthus genotype(s) that is/are preferred by farmers in northern KwaZulu-Natal, using the PVS approach. Seedlings of fifteen Amaranthus genotypes were each planted in separate 10 × 10 m plots. Fourteen local farmers managed these genotypes and also determined the preferred traits to be used to evaluate them. These traits were: mild taste; profuse stem branching; big and numerous leaves; soft texture; and longer shelf life. Plants at four months after transplant were then evaluated and ranked according to farmers’ preferred traits using score sheets designed on a four-point Likert scale or five-point hedonic scale. However, genotype ACAT seed fair had the best scoring for appealing taste and aroma, and profuse branching. The TOT 8789 genotype had the largest and softest leaves. Again, A. thunbergii had the most numerous leaves of them all. These genotypes are thus recommended for multi-environment testing, seed multiplication, genetic improvement, and promotion for cultivation in South Africa.

Recycling Nutrients and Reducing Carbon Emissions in the Baltic Sea Region-Sustainable or Economically Infeasible?

Ecotechnologies have the potential to reduce the use of finite resources while providing a variety of co-benefits to society, though they often lack in market competitiveness. In this study, we investigate the sustainability of ecotechnologies for recovering carbon and nutrients, and demonstrate how a so-called "bottom-up" approach can serve as a decision-making instrument. Based on three case study catchments with a focus on domestic wastewater in Sweden and Poland, and on manure, grass and blackwater substrates in Finland, we apply a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) on system alternatives derived from a participatory process. After drawing on an initial systematic mapping of relevant ecotechnologies, the scope of the CBA is determined by stakeholder suggestions, namely in terms of the considered assessment criteria, the physical impacts and the utilised data. Thus, this CBA is rooted in a localised consideration of ecotechnologies rather than a centralised governmental approach to systems boundaries. The key advantage of applying such a bottom-up approach is that it has gone through a robust participatory selection process by local stakeholders, which provides more legitimacy to the decisions reached compared with traditional feasibility studies. Despite considering the revenues of the recovered products as well as the provision of the non-market goods CO2 mitigation and reduced eutrophication, findings from this study indicate that the benefits of the considered ecotechnologies are often outweighed by their costs. Only anaerobic digestion of agricultural wastes appears to be economically feasible under the current conditions, highlighting that further efforts and incentives may be required to mainstream ecotechnologies.

Participatory Selection of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Varieties in the Midland Areas of Guji zone, Southern Ethiopia

Irish Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important food security and cash crop produced at different agro-ecologies of Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia. However, in the midland areas of Guji zone an access of improved potato variety is highly limited. Due to this reason and other bottle neck factors, the potential of the area to potato crop is not exploited. So, there is an urgent need to develop and promote technologies that suit for the area. As a result, an experiment was conducted in the midland areas of Guji Zone (Dibayu, Kiltu sorsa, Gobicha and Dole) at four farmers’ fields during 2019/20 cropping season to evaluate potato varieties with active participation of farmers and to identify and select adaptable, high yielding, and late blight tolerant potato variety (ies) for midland areas of Guji zone. Seven (7) improved potato varieties Gudanie, Chiro, Zemen, Bubu, Chala, Bedasa, and Gebisa were used as testing crop. The treatments were arranged in randomized completed block design (RCBD) with three replications for mother trial and farmers were used as replication for baby trials. Both agronomic and farmers data were collected based on the recommended standards. Data collected from mother trail were subjected to analysis of variance where as matrix ranking was used for data collected from baby trial. The analysis of variance indicated that significant differences observed at (P≤ 0.05) among the tested Irish potato varieties for stem number per hill, tuber number per hill, marketable and total tuber yield. However, non-significant difference was observed at (P> 0.05) among the varieties for days to 50% emergence and flowering, days to 90% maturity, plant height, tuber weight and unmarketable tuber yield. The highest marketable tuber yield was (41.32t/ha) was recorded for Zemen followed by Gudanie and Bubu (36.81 and 36.78 t/ha) respectively. But, the lowest marketable tuber yield 21.85t/ha was obtained from improved Gebisa variety. In other cases, farmers were allowed to evaluate the varieties using their own criteria. Accordingly, variety Zemen, Bubu and Gudanie were selected by farmers due to their best performance, high yielder, resistance to disease, number of tubers and marketability. Therefore, these three improved Irish potato varieties are selected based on agronomic data result and farmers preference and recommended for production to the midland areas of Guji zone. Keywords: Improved variety, Irish Potato, participatory variety selection DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-16-01 Publication date: August 31 st 2021

How beneficiaries see complex health interventions: a practice review of the Most Significant Change in ten countries

BackgroundThe Most Significant Change is a story-based evaluation approach used in many international development programs. This practice review summarises practical experience with the approach in complex health interventions in ten countries, with the objective of making it more accessible in evaluation of other complex health interventions.ResultsParticipatory research practitioners and trainees discussed five themes following brief presentations by each of the seven attendees who led the exercise: (i) sampling and recruitment; (ii) phrasing the questions to elicit stories; (iii) story collection strategies; (iv) quality assurance; and (v) analysis. Notes taken during the meeting provided the framework for this article.Recruitment strategies in small studies included universal engagement and, in larger studies, a purposive, systematic or random sampling. Meeting attendees recommended careful phrasing and piloting of the question(s) as this affects the quality and focus of the stories generated. They stressed the importance of careful training and monitoring of fieldworkers collecting stories to ensure full stories are elicited and recorded. For recording, in most settings they preferred note taking with back-checking or self-writing of stories by story tellers, rather than audio-recording. Analysis can combine participatory selection of a small number of stories, deductive or inductive thematic analysis and discourse analysis. Meeting attendees noted that involvement in collection of the stories and their analysis and discussion had a positive impact for research team members.ConclusionsOur review confirms the plasticity, feasibility and acceptability of the Most Significant Change technique across different sociopolitical, cultural and environmental contexts of complex interventions. Although the approach can surface unexpected impacts, it is not a 360-degree evaluation. Its strength lies in characterising the changes, where these happen, in the words of the beneficiaries. We hope this distillation of our practice makes the technique more readily available to health sector researchers.