Abstract
‘Complex’ problem situations are characterised by conflicting societal values and interests and high
levels of uncertainty about agro-ecological and/or social dynamics. We are continuously confronted with such
contexts, e.g. in the sphere of natural resource management, agricultural chains and rural development. In
complex problem solving situations outcomes are shaped eventually by negotiation processes among
stakeholders. The quality of such negotiations is often far from optimal in terms of equitability, bargaining
power, representation and compatibility of argumentation skills. Moreover, availability of and/or access to
knowledge and validated information about interrelations and dynamics in complex systems is often lacking.
Implicit to ideas such as ‘post normal science’ and ‘mode 2 science’ is the assumption that scientists have
something to offer that may improve the quality of such negotiations. In terms of theories about conflict
management, one could say the assumption is that scientists may contribute to shifting negotiations from being
‘distributive’ (i.e. dividing a cake on the basis of existing power balances), to being ‘integrative’ (i.e. baking a
new cake on the basis of exchange of perspectives, joint exploration, collaborative research. Based on a number
of observations on how knowledge is used and mobilised in social interaction, this presentation will identify a
number of reasons to be sceptical about such expectations, but also point to opportunities and ways in which
impacts may indeed be realised. These issues will be discussed against the background of the recently started
interdisciplinary action research programme ‘Competing Claims for Natural Resources’ in Southern Africa.
Keywords: conflict, action research, negotiation, complex problems
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 9th European IFSA Symposium, 4-7 July 2010, Vienna, Austria |
Editors | I. Darnhofer, M. Grötzer |
Place of Publication | Vienna |
Publisher | IFSA Europe |
Pages | 510-516 |
ISBN (Print) | 9783200019089 |
Publication status | Published - 2010 |
Event | 9th European IFSA Symposium, Vienna, Austria - Duration: 4 Jul 2010 → 7 Jul 2010 |
Conference/symposium
Conference/symposium | 9th European IFSA Symposium, Vienna, Austria |
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Period | 4/07/10 → 7/07/10 |