Action and Decision-oriented Studies as a fieldwork methodology in Germany, Brazil and Mozambique

Climate change adaptation, food security, disaster prevention, rural development, natural resource protection – the global community is searching for strategies and instruments that will guarantee both dignified and viable... [ view full abstract ]

Climate change adaptation, food security, disaster prevention, rural development, natural resource protection – the global community is searching for strategies and instruments that will guarantee both dignified and viable development for the future. Young specialists and managers have to learn how to create context-specific solutions to the challenges facing society and universities are called upon to take central stage. Trilateral cooperation between universities in Berlin (Humboldt-Universität), Maputo (University of Eduardo Mondlane - Mozambique) and Rio de Janeiro (Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ) is one of the core projects of curriculum development and knowledge exchange in the area of sustainable development. Field studies are the centerpiece of the student training program of the three universities. In them, students put into practice all that they have learned throughout the program, both the general understanding of international cooperation and the various instruments of this area, such as the methodology of analysis, planning and monitoring, group work, presentation and moderation. In order for the field study to be carried out satisfactorily and within the stipulated time, it is necessary to use a systematic and coherent research concept. The preparation phase, called Action and Decision-oriented Studies (ADS), aims to contribute to the development of an appropriate concept. ADS has for many years used a research methodology known as action and decision-oriented studies. This innovative tool, which combines scientific knowledge with user orientation and hands-on practicability, is applied to study assignments from development organizations. Through the ADS methodology the groups of students should elaborate a research concept that: Clearly state the objectives of the study, Clarify the thematic dimension of the study, Develop a methodological procedure appropriate to the topic and Establish a realistic work plan for the entire period of the study. The methodoly is divided into three parts: Phase I - Clarification of the mission: identifying the objectives and potential users of the results, formulate key questions, discuss negative side effects and forms of communication. Phase II Definition of the content: define the key topics and thematic areas of the research, the questions to analyze, identify sources of information and define hypotheses and indicators and Phase III - Selection of methods: select the research units and sample, describe the set of methodological tools to be used to achieve the results and the procedure for the analysis. The group organizes the study and continuously updates the work plan afterwards. This methodology has been successfully applied for three years in interdisciplinary fieldwork in Mozambique and Brazil. It is possible to note the improvement in the organization of activities, responsibilities and deadlines, generating more effective results in learning, financial costs and quality of the final product. We believe that this methodology is suitable for application in different scenarios of fieldworks, generating sustainable products that meet innovative needs on local scale, concretizing intervention projects and changing the reality of poor communities, thus being aligned with the philosophy of the Masters in Sustainable Development Practice.