Based on concepts for innovation processes and co-production of knowledge, approaches are investigated that address the urgent and complex problems related to climate change, because especially the participation of, and close collaboration with, practice partners is needed. The paper presents the agricultural knowledge management approach in the organic agriculture module of the R&D project INKA BB (Innovation Network for Climate Change Adaptation Brandenburg Berlin) in north-eastern Germany (Knierim et al. 2009). The methodology for the science-practice collaboration follows an action research approach that supports the communication and cooperation of researchers and practitioners. The framework is the action research cycle with iterative stages of planning, action, and reflection. The organic agriculture module, which addresses individual research questions on several farms, is presented as a good practice example for close transdisciplinary network cooperation. The workshop contribution will provide reflections on the innovation development process over two project years.
“Adaptation to climate change” as a new field of knowledge challenges agricultural and horticultural (vocational) education and extension. Farmers and horticulturists are confronted with vague scientific findings at best. A broad variety of global climate scenarios is “projected” onto regions and exact predictions are usually not possible. Often, personal observations and experiences seem to contradict scientific assertions. Under this condition farmers and policy makers must decide about future land use.
What does this imply for capacity building? How to transform insecurity into concrete educational measures and programs?
The authors discuss their first experiences within a German R&D network (INKA BB) in which they develop capacity building programs. Two examples from urban agriculture / urban gardening will be used as case studies. Strengths and weaknesses of the development processes and their management will be discussed.
Since the topic is complex and adaptation is a continuous activity, learning in connection with climate change adaptation ideally begins on elementary level, continues in higher and vocational training, and does not end with extension. In other words: “learning chains” must be developed which enable life-long learning in formal, non-formal and informal learning environments.
Competencies are needed beyond classical technological and economic skills. Problem solving - from problem perception, analysis, generation of alternative solutions, to implementation and evaluation - with a key competence in critical analysis and reflection of contemporary research findings - gain in importance.
In INKA BB, participation is seen as axiomatic. As a consequence, an action-oriented, participatory approach has been chosen which enables mutual learning among partners from research, formal and informal, elementary, higher and vocational education.
A crucial point is the question of “Who could be the bridge between science and the educational practitioner?” In INKA BB, a specific working group (the subproject on “Knowledge Management and Transfer”) facilitates the development processes and therefore plays a liaison role between theory and practice. In the long-run, sustainable ownership of this process must be achieved. A combination of network building, mutual learning in permanent work groups, provision of technical trainings, and joint planning, testing, monitoring and evaluation is seen as a precondition.
Content:
Regional Activities:
Workshop: Coastal Change as a Challenge for Society, Culture, and Spatial Planning;
RADOST on Tour: Baltic Sea Coast 2100 – On the Way to Regional Climate Adaptation;
Monitoring the Environmental Conditions in the Nearshore Area;
National Activities:
Outstanding Climate Adaptation;
International Activities:
RADOST in Exchange with Coastal Planners in the USA;
Short Film on Climate Change Adaptation in Germany, Poland,
and the Baltic States;
Publications:
Analyses of the Perception of Climate Change Along the
German Baltic Sea Coast;
RADOST Studies on Artificial Reefs
Content:
Regional Activities:
RADOST: Baltic Sea Coast 2100;
Close Cooperation with Tourism Experts in the Future;
The Bay of Kiel Climate Alliance takes a new Direction;
National Activities:
Second Regional Conference on Climate Adaptation Communities in Climate Change;
International Activities:
National Adaptation Strategies in the Baltic States;
Exchange of Experiences with Practitioners in the USA;
Chinese Delegation Shows Interest in Coastal Research in Kiel;
RADOST and Baltadapt at Green Week and the UN Climate Conference;
RADOST at the Baltic Sea Days
Publications:
Perceptions and Activities regarding Climate Change on
the German Baltic Sea Coast;
Handbook „Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in the
Baltic Sea Region“;
New Edition of “Meer & Küste”;
Assessment of the Influence of Climate Change on Development Potential for Near-surface Geothermal Energy
Content:
Regional Activities:
Science on Tour along the Baltic Sea Coast;
Climate Pavilion Schönberg Inaugurated;
New RADOST Partner: Hamburg University of Technology;
First Organic Mussels from Kiel;
International Activities:
Climate Change Impacts in the Baltic Sea Region: Assessment Report Provides Opportunity for Discussion;
Bottom-up Climate Adaptation Strategies towards a Sustainable Europe;
Transatlantic Exchange of Adaptation Measures;
Publications