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Large investments in Research-for-Development (R4D) have occurred around agricultural intensification to improve social and economic outcomes for poor small and marginal farmer households. Mixed evidence for sustained and socially just impacts from these investments reflects that projects aimed at achieving social change are inherently complex and the pathways from intervention to impact are deeply uncertain. R4D projects are increasingly drawing on integrative approaches to explore solution spaces for these complex social-agroecological problems; albeit integration science is not yet mainstream in R4D. We reflect on one approach (integrated assessment, IA) in a project on socially inclusive agricultural intensification, namely on how the project team embraced integration tools and research approaches, translated knowledge and learnings of the community and broader research team into systems frameworks, and ensured that social inclusion and justice concepts were central to the IA tools and process. IA was valued for its participatory focus and for lessening 'silo thinking' in the design of community interventions and research activities. We argue that complexity-aware integration approaches like IA are needed to support the design, monitoring and evaluation of R4D projects to enhance outcomes and achieve sustained impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) has been proposed as an innovative water storage method to manage variable water availability in Australian agricultural regions by combatting water shortage whilst addressing groundwater overuse and reducing large evaporative losses from surface storages. MAR innovations involve the recharge of water into aquifers and extraction when needed. However, their uptake has been limited as they are associated with large amounts of uncertainty. We present an argumentation approach to reason about the feasibility of MAR in the Coleambally Irrigation Area in the Murrumbidgee catchment. Three scenarios that focus on managed aquifer recharge and two competing surface water scenarios are developed for the case study area, as well as associated recommendations aimed at the key stakeholders who can initiate change. The approach and scenarios show potential, with future work involving the implementation of the recommendations and the application of the approach to another case study for further refinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Catchment-scale water quality models have become important tools for water quality management, planning and reporting worldwide. In this review, we synthesise recent developments in water quality modelling, focusing on catchment-scale models of freshwater, non-urban systems and their ability to support catchment management. We explore 10 key attributes in selected existing water quality models. These attributes can be characterised as: model use (model purposes, representation of constituents, scenario analysis, and documentation), model development (process representation, spatial heterogeneities, temporal dynamics, and data requirements), and model performance (calibration, validation and uncertainty tools). We deliberate on 11 key challenges and/or emerging topics in catchment water quality modelling: large-scale applications, model integration, model usability and communication, preliminary data analysis, modelling management practices, technology advancement, incorporating soft data, model identifiability, uncertainty analysis, good modelling practices and capacity building, and differentiating the effects of climate impacts from those associated with land use and management practices. Highlights • The review focuses on the ability of models to support catchment management. • Key attributes of model use, development and performance were explored. • We discussed 11 challenges and emerging topics for future development. • Uncertainty can be reduced through using soft data and optimal monitoring design. • A major challenge is separating impacts of climate from land use and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Scenarios of climate change were generated for the Okanagan Basin, a snow-driven semi-arid basin located in the southern interior region of British Columbia. Three global climate models (GCMs) were used to generate high (A2) and low (B2) emission scenarios; the canadian global coupled model (CGCM2), the Australian developed CSIROMk2, and the HadCM3 model developed at the Hadley Centre in the United Kingdom. The three time periods simulated were 2010–2039 (2020s), 2040–2069 (2050s) and 2070–2099 (2080s). An increase in winter temperature of 1.5–4.0°C and a precipitation increase of the order of 5-20% is predicted by the 2050s. Modelled summer precipitation is more variable with predicted change ranging from zero to a 35% decrease depending on the GCM and emission scenario. Summer temperatures were simulated to increase by approximately 2–4°C. The UBC Watershed Model was used to model the hydrologic response of gauged sub watersheds in the basin under the altered climates. All scenarios consistently predicted an early onset of the spring snowmelt, a tendency towards a more rainfall dominated hydrograph and considerable reductions in the annual and spring flow volumes in the 2050s and 2080s. Of the three climate models, the CGCM2 model provided the most conservative predictions of the impacts of climate change in Okanagan Basin. Simulations based on the CSIROMk2 climate model suggested greatly reduced snowpack and flow volumes despite a sizeable increase in the winter precipitation. The scenarios raise questions over the availability of future water resources in the Okanagan Basin, particularly as extended periods of low flows into upland reservoirs are likely to coincide with increased demand from agricultural and domestic water users. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We describe a research-for-development (R4D) strategy developed to address how investments and interventions in agricultural intensification as a means to achieve community development can be designed to be more socially inclusive and equitable. We draw on results from a 5-year project – Promoting socially inclusive and sustainable agricultural intensification in West Bengal (India) and southern Bangladesh (SIAGI). We reflect on a major pivot in the project's strategy, from being primarily research-driven to placing community concerns and priorities at the centre with a shift towards Ethical Community Engagement (ECE). This became the foundational framework which guided the definition and undertaking of all subsequent activities – including a rethink of methods and concepts to develop tools and frameworks fit for purpose and local context, and inculcating a culture of reflexivity and mutual learning in the project. We show that creating the conditions for true participation, where project beneficiaries and non-government organizations are equal partners alongside researchers and government actors, and for co-learning using the ECE framework, sets the foundations for increased and potentially enduring social inclusion in agricultural intensification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The effectiveness of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) modeling hinges on the quality of practices employed through the process, starting from early problem definition all the way through to using the model in a way that serves its intended purpose. The adoption and implementation of effective modeling practices need to be guided by a practical understanding of the variety of decisions that modelers make, and the information considered in making these choices. There is still limited documented knowledge on the modeling workflow, and the role of contextual factors in determining this workflow and which practices to employ. This paper attempts to contribute to this knowledge gap by providing systematic guidance of the modeling practices through the phases (Planning, Development, Application, and Perpetuation) and steps that comprise the modeling process, positing questions that should be addressed. Practice-focused guidance helps explain the detailed process of conducting IWRM modeling, including the role of contextual factors in shaping practices. We draw on findings from literature and the authors' collective experience to articulate what and how contextual factors play out in employing those practices. In order to accelerate our learning about how to improve IWRM modeling, the paper concludes with five key areas for future practice-related research: knowledge sharing, overcoming data limitations, informed stakeholder involvement, social equity and uncertainty management. Highlights • Existing lack of guidance to mobilize IWRM concepts and tools towards successful outcomes. • Practices-focused guidance explains the detailed process of conducting contextually-focused IWRM modeling. • IWRM modeling phases and steps are detailed drawing on literature from multiple areas. • Step-by-step questions are provided to inform methodological decisions and practical relevance. • Areas for future practice-related research are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communicating change in environmental condition is a critical component of non-market valuation studies. However, the underlying assumptions and implications associated with alternative ways of expressing change in environmental condition for surveys are rarely discussed in the literature. Our review found no cases where alternative formulations were both discussed and tested. In this note we report on our multi-disciplinary analysis of how best to express such change. We interrogate the meaning of, and inferences from, four formulations for quantitative expressions, or metrics, of environmental indicators that are used in the field of ecology and we then evaluate their usefulness in non-market valuation. The assumptions and limitations of each formulation are discussed using seven hypothetical cases of change in environmental condition. We show that formulations for expressing change can be grouped based on two inherent philosophies potentially held by people when they consider their preferences for environmental changes: ‘more is better philosophy’ and ‘restoration philosophy’. We contend that, without careful consideration of which philosophy people may apply, it is possible to inadvertently bias respondent choices when a particular formulation is used in a valuation study. If this happens, resulting value estimates will be a poor reflection of what researchers seek. An alternative approach that does not presuppose a philosophy but instead helps reveal a respondent’s philosophy, is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research activity described in this report is a comprehensive regional assessment of the impacts of climate change on water resources and options for adaptation in the Okanagan Basin. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop integrated climate change and water resource scenarios to stimulate a multistakeholder discussion on the implications of climate change for water management in the region. The paper describes two main objectives: (a) providing a set of research products that will be of relevance to regional interests in the Okanagan, and (b) establishing a methodology for participatory integrated assessment of regional climate change impacts and adaptation that could be applied to climate-related concerns in Canada and other countries. This collaborative study has relied on field research, computer-based models, and dialogue exercises to generate an assessment of future implications, and to learn about regional views on the prospects for adaptation. Along the way, it has benefited from strong partnerships with governments, researchers, local water practitioners, and user groups. Building on the scenario-based study components, and a series of interviews and surveys undertaken for the water management and adaptation case study components, a set of stakeholder dialogue sessions were organized which focused on identifying preferred adaptation options and processes for their implementation. Rather than seeking consensus on the "best" option or process, regional interests were asked to consider a range of available options as part of an adaptation portfolio that could address both supply side and demand side aspects of water resources management in the Okanagan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Evaluation should go beyond results and outputs of a problem-solving process. • Formative evaluation improves ongoing activities to achieve the desired impact. • Learning requires reflecting on the reasons for and impacts of each decision. • Formative and self-reflective M&E helps achieve adaptive and efficient projects. Recent literature on model evaluation has highlighted the need, particularly in an interdisciplinary problem and team setting, to go beyond the evaluation of results and outputs of a problem-solving pathway (process), and monitor and evaluate the pathway itself to improve ongoing activities undertaken by the research team that best achieve the desired impact. By reflecting on what decisions have been made, the reasons, influences and effects of each decision, such evaluation can improve the learning process of stakeholders and researchers. The authors have designed a formative, self-reflective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) process and applied it to an integrated assessment and modelling project in the Campaspe catchment, part of the Murray-Darling Basin in Victoria, Australia. The M&E process consists of six steps: 1) review of documents to understand research goals, priorities and records, 2) pathway assessment, 3) reflective meetings with each team member, 4) analysis of qualitative data from meetings to capture perceived strengths, weaknesses, successes and failures, and suggested actions, objections and goals, 5) survey to elicit feedback on identified goals, objectives and actions, and 6) a report of approved actions based on the conducted survey of team members. Four overall goals and constituent objectives were identified with 42 actions, and between 37 and 42 of these actions appear to have support for adoption. The evaluation indicated the benefits of the enhanced M&E approach to realise a more adaptive and effective problem-solving modelling and assessment project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]