Using WOCAT outputs at the field level

At the field level, SWC specialists work under very different biophysical, socio-economic and institutional conditions. They search for technologies and approaches that are adaptable to their specific situation and meet their specific demands.
The WOCAT query system therefore provides access to information at various points. The search criteria, for example, include agro-ecology, climatic and slope conditions, degradation processes to be tackled, farming systems, the desired level of costs and inputs, etc. Thus a choice can be made among relevant SWC options.

Those who do not have access to a PC or the Internet can use WOCAT books and maps. Names and addresses are included for personal contact with the respective providers of the information, and for discussion of questions that still remain open after consulting the WOCAT outputs. This allows SWC specialists and land users to make a final joint decision about which technology or approach to choose, and how to adapt and implement it. This choice is supported by the experience of others and based on the local situation in the field.

WOCAT uses global knowledge for local improvements. It offers contacts as well as opportunities to share experience around the globe. It provides SWC specialists with technical information about SWC technologies and approaches from their own and other regions. Additionally, it offers contacts to other SWC specialists

Using WOCAT outputs at the planning level

At the national and regional levels, the WOCAT database, overviews and maps help planners, co-ordinators and decision-makers to document, monitor and evaluate what has been achieved in SWC. These tools help to make appropriate plans, set priorities for future investments, and maintain contact with other institutions that have similar responsibilities. Eventually, SWC activities must be evaluated to determine whether they met their goals and to assess both their strong points and their weaknesses.

WOCAT provides training support to build regional and national capacities in SWC.

As a tool for more efficient use of existing human resources and know-how, WOCAT addresses the challenges that donors face in managing funds more efficiently. This is possible through co-ordinated and collaborative networking. WOCAT can be used as an instrument for monitoring the efficiency of investments in SWC. It can help to assess whether SWC activities lead towards or away from sustainable land management, and eventually whether they contribute towards overall development goals in line with AGENDA 21, produced by the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

The same pool of knowledge and information can be used in the field and at the planning level.

The most important thing is to use existing knowledge and funds more efficiently for improved decision making and optimised land management.