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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #65203
Title: THE SANREM APPROACH FOR SELECTING INDICATORS OF SUSTAINABILITY

Author
item Karlen, Douglas
item FLORA, CORNELIA - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
item BELLOWS, BARBARA - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV
item MCSWEENEY, KEVIN - UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN

Submitted to: Indicators for Agricultural Development Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/29/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Indicator selection is crucial for evaluating research and development projects. This report outlines procedures used to identify and select indicators of sustainability within the Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Management Collaborative Research Support Agreement (SANREM-CRSP). The end-users, who have traditionally been considered "last" if at all, are involved in problem identification, solution design, and decision processes. Following site visits to the Philippines, Ecuador, and Burkina Faso, a preliminary list of sustainability indicators was proposed. The list includes both analytical and participatory assessments. A multidimensional framework based on principles of systems engineering is being developed to help interpret pressure, state, and response relationships between environmental, social, and economic indicators of sustainability. Initial response by end-users and potential application for other research and developmental projects are discussed.