Forming a consensus in agricultural development issues and constraints: Using the nominal group technique

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

7-1-2003

Abstract

The nominal group technique was used as a participatory process and stakeholder analysis to identify issues and constraints in planning Honduran agricultural development. In this application, stakeholders from the governmental and private sector, nongovernmental donors and development agencies, public and private academic and research institutions, and agricultural producers and producer groups, were included. Specifically, the nominal group process was used to identify constraints in production and profitability for particular crops. Using this process, the facilitator elicited feedback on constraints, clarified responses, and then allowed a brief discussion of issues. Participants selected, by voting, the five most important constraints from those they identified. A weighting procedure was used to identify the top constraints. Next, participants voted on the ease of overcoming those same five constraints. The second phase of the process was another meeting (or later portion of first meeting) to review results and to solicit from the stakeholders mechanisms to overcome the constraints. A consensus from stakeholders was formed on the both the production constraints and the mechanisms and methodologies to overcome them. The constraints and the methodologies for overcoming constraints were taken to a national level meeting as grassroots input to develop strategies in agricultural development. The nominal group process also was used for developing a consensus at the national level to identify the most promising agricultural and agribusiness investment opportunities and development strategies leading to long-term sustainable use of resources, generating rural jobs, and improving standards of living. © ISHS.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Acta Horticulturae

First Page

81

Last Page

87

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