We know that real change takes place when we learn by doing, and as development specialists we are all very good at telling people what to do. But as researchers and practitioners engaged in a shared learning process for change we still have a very long way to go. Recent work done by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and the University of York has stimulated a new discussion in CCAFS and the launch of their new strategy to promote social learning within the CGIAR.

We know that real change takes place when we learn by doing – who cannot remember a time in their lives when they have had a “eureka” moment doing something that has connected theory to practice? Shared, or social learning uses the knowledge and experience of each participant in the learning process – it is a looped (or iterative) process of sharing information, knowledge and experience and then applying that to an action. This in turn informs a new way of proceeding or of organising our systems based on that new experience and reflection, and, done well, can eventually lead us to fundamentally rethink the way we tackle challenges like climate change and food security. This approach was the focus of a research initiative and new working paper by IDS, IIED and the University of York published today by the Climate Change Agriculture and Food Security Programme (CCAFS) of the CGIAR.

Multiple loop learning for environmental or resource management (from: Armitage et al. 2008)

Learning from the local? Drawing on good practices for CCAFS’ community engagement

Communication initiatives for climate change and adaptation are many and varied. Our research showed that most of the communication initiatives are northern based and linear in style, delivering top-down information which is intended to inform people’s decision-making. Many of these are supply–driven, focusing on sharing information that organisations are producing rather than responding to the specific needs of communities.

Initiatives more closely focussed on climate change adaptation are fewer but with some good examples emerging incorporating more learning-focused methodologies and with a stronger southern focus, particularly at local levels. This presents an opportunity to learn from and build upon the success of these initiatives, which are often small-scale and combine multiple approaches of engaging with communities. These more tailored approaches are better suited to the complex and uncertain reality of climate change – as well as the wide range of ways it will affect people depending on their age, gender, livelihood activity, and more.

CCAFS has recognised that their work with partners and communities on climate change and adaptation will be more effective if they combine knowledge from their scientific body of expertise with the essential knowledge, and experience, of communities facing the daily realities of a changing climate. The working paper explores the implications of “looped” social learning approaches for an entity like CGIAR - the global research partnership which established CCAFS - and how they could incentivise new approaches.

Learning together and supporting behaviour change (both within communities and within institutions supporting adaptation) takes time, it takes empathy and familiarity and relationship building. These are not project attributes that are supported in our current culture of donor requirements, incentive structures, value for money and efficiency demands. Accountability for delivery is important but if we are to scale the practice of social learning, not just the policy, we need to look at how we can find the space to really learn together.

CCAFS has decided to nurture a learning environment and encourage a community of practice to develop around social learning. It will be inviting people to participate in helping to develop its strategic thinking, try out some innovative ideas, and share knowledge and experience together. An innovation fund and a “Sandbox” will provide the resources and a forum to help keep this moving.

The CCAFS team will be looking to identify new partnerships as well as continuing to support valued relationships that can help them tease out a better way of working and one that speaks to a greater degree of social differentiation – across gender, culture, generation and more. So prepare yourselves, research is about to get loopy!

Further information

CCAFS Working Paper no. 22 - Climate change communication and social learning - Review and strategy development for CCAFS by Blane Harvey, Jonathan Ensor, Liz Carlile, Ben Garside, Zachary Patterson, Lars Otto Naess

This article was written by Liz Carlile (Head of Communications, IIED) with contributions from Blane Harvey (Research Fellow, Climate Change Team, IDS)

Photo: Neil Palmer (CIAT)