Original Research - Special Collection: SAMEA 7th Biennial Conference 2019
Revealing mechanisms in a transdisciplinary Community Reforestation Research Programme
Submitted: 18 February 2020 | Published: 23 October 2020
About the author(s)
Michael R. Ward, Environmental Learning Research Centre (ELRC), Faculty of Education, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South AfricaEureta Rosenberg, Environmental Learning Research Centre (ELRC), Faculty of Education, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
Abstract
Background: The Community Reforestation Research Programme is a joint initiative between eThekwini Municipality and the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Addressing complex sustainable development issues requires collaboration across disciplines and between researchers, practitioners and policy-makers. Understanding how this occurs has the potential to inform and improve transitions to sustainability.
Objectives: A summative evaluation of one project within the broader programme was commissioned to develop in-depth understandings into the underlying systemic influences or mechanisms that supported or hindered transdisciplinary research and practices.
Method: A realist evaluation method informed the analysis of questionnaires, documents, interviews, focus group discussions and participation in programme reporting and planning processes. This approach supported the development of a contextual profile within which underlying mechanisms were identified. These mechanisms were considered in relation to the outcomes of the project.
Results: The main mechanisms identified in the evaluation process related to orientations to research, orientations to education, orientations to value creation, orientations to environmental management and orientations to organisational leadership. These orientations either enabled or hindered particular outcomes in the research on, and environmental management of, community reforestation in the context of climate change. The mechanisms also had significant implications for understanding ‘what worked well for whom in what circumstances and how’.
Conclusion: Transdisciplinary research and practice across institutional boundaries are enabled or hindered by underlying mechanisms. By identifying and understanding these mechanisms, insights were developed that have the potential to enhance transdisciplinary sustainability initiatives at the local level.
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Crossref Citations
1. The Contribution of Trees and Green Spaces to Household Food Security in eThekwini Metro, KwaZulu-Natal
Qhelile Ntombikayise Bhebhe, Mjabuliseni S. C. Ngidi, Muthulisi Siwela, Temitope O. Ojo, Simphiwe Innocentia Hlatshwayo, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
Sustainability vol: 15 issue: 6 first page: 4855 year: 2023
doi: 10.3390/su15064855