The SCALE approach is a framework for achieving widespread change in natural resource and agricultural management. It is a system-wide collaborative action for livelihoods and the environment that aims to improve governance, increase civil society participation, and adopt best practices. SCALE starts by engaging significant segments of a population and generates simultaneous top-down and bottom-up action and change across many levels and sectors of society.
SCALE allows for an understanding of the larger context surrounding a particular natural resource issue. It effectively maps the larger context and identifies the strongest leverage points for positive change. SCALE also helps stakeholders combine social change methodologies, such as advocacy, social marketing, education, mass communication, social mobilization, and conflict resolution, for widespread and lasting change.
The SCALE framework generates system-wide change by catalyzing and supporting concurrent and sustainable collaborative action toward a common goal by as many stakeholders in the system as possible. These stakeholders may be individuals, groups, organizations, businesses, institutions, partnerships, and coalitions. SCALE strengthens the communication and working relationships among these stakeholders to create a network of interconnected interests and actions.
Applying SCALE can benefit programs by facilitating the development of innovative partnerships and coalitions across sectors, disciplines, institutions, and groups. It can also accelerate the adaptation of new technologies, boost the adoption of new technologies and best practices, strengthen citizen constituencies for effective decision making and action, and increase private sector involvement.
The SCALE process involves several key steps, including mapping the context, catalyzing coalitions and partnerships, creating collaborative and sustainable solutions, and acting. It also involves valuing monitoring and evaluation, as well as using social change methodologies to achieve widespread and lasting change.
SCALE has been applied in various contexts, including natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, water and energy efficiency, clean production, and solid waste management. It has been used to address complex problems in agricultural and natural resource management, such as soil degradation, water scarcity, and deforestation.
The SCALE approach has several benefits, including increased stakeholder participation, strengthened communication and working relationships, and improved agricultural and environmental best practices. It also leads to sustainable livelihoods, civil society participation, equity, and accountability, as well as national, regional, and local government capacity to manage and support improved agricultural and natural resource management.
Overall, the SCALE approach is a powerful tool for achieving widespread change in natural resource and agricultural management. It provides a framework for understanding the larger context of a problem, identifying leverage points for positive change, and combining social change methodologies to achieve lasting results.