Participatory methods of data collection for soil and water conservation planning through reforestation in Guadalajara (Spain) / Méthodes participatives de collecte des données pour la planification de la conservation du sol et de l'eau par la reforestation à Guadalajara

摘要

This paper considers that the field methods of data gathering it uses constitute a reliable form of explanation of the socio-economic processes of land degradation in Guadalajara Province and a possible form of eliminating long standing barriers of distrust between Government forestry planners and land users in Spain. The paper shows that the involvement of respondents in the construction of the list of questions used in field work reduced distrust, helped to explain the socio-economic processes of land degradation (as seen by land users) and raised their interest in participation and organisation. The paper argues that these participatory methods of data gathering, if adopted by Government officials in their stages of planning, can result in a more effective form of reforestation and soil and water conservation.