RAAKS
Scope
1 July 2009This Internet dossier aims to provide access to rapid appraisal of agricultural knowledge systems (RAAKS) resources and to make the RAAKS methodology better known to a new group of potential users in the field of knowledge management. The dossier not only lists links to the wide literature referring to RAAKS, but it also provides access to a variety of different field experiences with RAAKS. For an introductory video of RAAKS by Dr. Engel himself, click here.
RAAKS is a diagnostic framework and participatory methodology for analysing complex multi-stakeholder situations and for designing effective co-operation and communication strategies. It is a key methodology for facilitating innovation within development.
Paul Engel, Monique Salomon, and others at the Department for Communication and Innovation Studies of Wageningen University developed the RAAKS methodology, on the basis of fieldwork in Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia. Since then, RAAKS has been adapted and widely used to inspire innovative capacity development and social learning processes at the community level among rural organizations and institutions and, more recently, in agricultural market chains.
Most of the content of this dossier comes either directly from the RAAKS resource box or is an abridged form of this. The RAAKS resource box "Facilitating innovation for development" comprises a book and manual. It was originally published in 1997 by KIT Publishers, CTA, and STOAS. The second publication of 2002 is now out of print.
The RAAKS methodology is as relevant today as it was 10 years ago. To emphasize this point Willem Heemskerk provided summaries of two new case studies of its application in Kenya and Cape Verde.
The dossier has originally been written in collaboration with Paul Engel, creator of RAAKS, and currently Director of the European Centre for Development Policy Management. If you have any comments on this dossier, kindly contact its editor, Sjon van 't Hof at sjon.v.t.hof@kit.nl.