Workshop 1: Methodology Standardization of Data Collection and Analysis of the Baseline Study

Date: July, 2009

Location:
The formal lectures were held at the National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension (NCARE) in Baqa and the practical work was conducted at Sura Range Reserve in Mafraq Governorate.

Background and objectives:
The need to standardize methodologies for collecting and analyzing data was well-recognized by the BRP as several institutions and organizations would be engaged in conducting baseline studies at different demonstration sites in the Jordan Badia. Different approaches and techniques were expected to be proposed by the national institutions and organizations in the collection and analysis of data. Therefore, the goal of this harmonization program was to ensure that all the project teams, especially the field crews, had a comprehensive understanding and awareness of the methodologies to be used in the Baseline Study. This meant that a standard format of data will be generated during the different sub-phases of the demonstration phase of the BRP. The specific objectives of the harmonization program were:

• To standardize the sampling protocols and methodologies for the collection of data of the Baseline Study and future monitoring programs.
• To standardize the statistical analysis of the collected data, this is essential in the interpretation and comparison of the results of the different targeted ecosystems.

Restoration Program with the contribution of experts from the national institutions/organizations. The project implementers will handle the transportation of their participants. The program will be held over a period of 10 days, from 15-25 June 2009.

Training topics:
Characterization of the targeted communities:

• Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA)
• Analysis of stakeholders

Biophysical assessment of the demonstration sites:

• Sampling vegetation attributes
• Sampling wildlife
• Description of soil surface conditions

Statistical analysis of data:

• Analysis of socioeconomic data
• Analysis of biophysical data

Training material:
Handouts and field manuals were developed to serve the purpose of the training program. The data sheets provided in the Baseline Study were developed and used for recording the data generated during the training. Spread sheets were developed for the entry of each sub-set of data.

Program:
The suggested program for conducting the proposed harmonization program is presented below:

List of participants in the training workshop on "Methodology Standardization of Data Collection and Analysis of the Baseline Study"