Ranking Local Tree Needs and Priorities Th rough an Interdisciplinary Action Research Approach

Abstract

Th ere is today a consensus around the fact that local development should address the needs and priorities of local actors in order to be successful. However, the identifi cation of local needs, understood in their context, is far from easy. Th is article reviews diff erent ranking methods used within PETREA, an action-research programme aimed at improving local livelihoods through improving access to trees and tree products. It is argued that none of the existing ranking methods, taken alone, can claim to identify local needs. Only an interdisciplinary approach can hope to provide a full-picture and an in-depth understanding of the local context. But interdisciplinary collaborations are rendered diffi cult by the institutional settings in which they are developed. Instead of being seen as complementary, the diff erent academic traditions can be seen as opposed, especially when scientists struggle to secure their participation in a project with limited funding, or when they feel challenged about the legitimacy of their methods and focus. Th e danger is that they end up defending their own interests rather than those of their target population. Interdisciplinary ac- tion research meets the same challenges as other types of research when it comes to integrating local participation within its approach.