Fostering inclusion in participatory approaches

While challenges like climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss are happening at a global scale, local communities experience the tangible effects of these crises in their day-to-day lives. But when it comes to mitigating and adapting to these interconnected challenges, many initiatives are designed and managed by outsiders, instead of by the communities themselves according to their needs, desires and strengths.

When environmental management initiatives are designed and implemented by or in partnership with local communities, initiatives tend to be fairer and more sustainable. Yet, even participatory processes that are said to center on local priorities often leave out members of marginalized groups—which may include women, Indigenous peoples, landless groups, and the poorest individuals and households—who often have the greatest stakes in the challenges at hand.

In participatory processes, equipping facilitators with the skills to manage and communicate in a way that is inclusive of diverse participants is essential—and much easier said than done. Inclusive facilitation is an art that can be nurtured and developed. In a new paper, scientists at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT argue that facilitators often lack sufficient preparation and capacities to manage inclusive processes, however; and there are few resources offering actionable steps and strategies for doing so.