LDD-31306 Impact Assessment of Land and Water Management

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

ESW-10306 or equivalent course

Contents:

Lectures: A main challenge for land and water management (LWM) interventions in developing countries is how to achieve sustainable impact. This challenge is central in this course. Emphasis is given on the role of stakeholders in LWM and how this affects adoption of conservation practices and final impact. The lectures deal with social, economic and institutional aspects that play a role in project planning, monitoring and evaluation. Methods are discussed to assess physical impact of LWM (e.g. water and nutrient balances), the economic impact (e.g. cost-benefit analysis) and the impact on people. Policies and strategies to enhance the impact of LWM interventions (e.g. participation, incentives, scaling-up) are dealt with in the lectures. Both theoretical insights and practical examples are given.
Practical sessions: During eight half-days, attention is paid to planning for and assessing impact from a socio-economic and technical perspective. This concerns a.o. understanding factors affecting adoption, project planning, formal and informal survey methods, the effects of conservation measures on water- and nutrient balances, cost-benefit analysis and multi-criteria analysis for assessment of benefits of land and water management interventions.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this course, the student will have the knowledge and skills to:
- analyse both the physical effects (soil, water and nutrients) and socio-economic effects of LWM interventions;
- identify and understand the main factors that affect the impact of LWM interventions, both during project planning, implementation and monitoring evaluation;
- understand and explain which strategies and policies are crucial in enhancing the involvement of farmers in LWM and in achieving sustainable final impact;
- apply impact assessment techniques, socio-economic analysis and evaluation methods for the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of LWM interventions;
- prepare budgets, to calculate costs and to estimate the benefits of LWM interventions.

Activities:

- lectures and studying lecture notes and reader;
- practical sessions.

Examination:

Practical reports and written examination.

Literature:

Lecture notes / reader available at WUR-Shop, Forum.