This project draws on a research methodology that involves creating accessible reference material - in the form of a visual manual - to reinforce the ideas developed by women farmers during face-to-face training sessions. The Illustrated Manuals for Development Projects (IMDP) methodology on which this project is based is participatory, people-centred, and designed to be responsive to the needs of illiterate women farmers. The multi-level approach draws on printed materials enhanced by visual training techniques and interpersonal work, as well as information and communication technologies (ICTs) - the manuals are downloadable from the IMDP website.

Specifically, researchers worked with 62 women farmers and a large number of field staff and development organisations in The Gambia. The women represented 4 different language groups; Mandinka, Fula, Diola and Wolof. The process involved several stages:

• Researchers consulted participants to identify subjects of particular interest. These were usually ideas they had seen or heard about, but were unsure of how to produce or develop themselves.
• Agroforestry was selected as a theme for developing the techniques, due to the interest shown by local women in tree planting and farmland management.
• Many women were not used to seeing or interpreting illustrations. The researchers worked with the women to determine the type of drawings that would most clearly illustrate subjects.
• After developing pictures with the women, local artists produced a series of line drawings and office staff produced a copy of the manual using computers.
• The technique was then evaluated by local agencies and women farmers. Following the research, the European Community (EC) funded a study to train staff from 12 organisations in Ghana and The Gambia to produce manuals on many other subjects.

Natural Resource Management, Economic Development, Women.

Organisers note that women in rural Africa often take on the role of farmers and foresters (as well as mothers and housekeepers). However, 46% of women in sub-Saharan Africa (compared to 31% of men) are illiterate, which means that field staff working in natural resource manangement and development programmes cannot always rely on written training manuals and other conventional resources to inform women farmers about farming and forestry techniques.

Organisers believe that the programme has been a success. Initially, 560 copies of the manual were distributed to farmers. “The manual has helped women farmers to integrate tree planting into their farming practices. Women have learnt to plant and fertilise tree seedlings, use trees as fences and make products (such as jams and pancakes) from fruits and nuts. These techniques all increase the productivity of smallholdings. Many more orders for the manual have since been taken from organisations around the world via the Illustrated Manuals for Development Projects (IMDP) website."