A posteriori analysis of a Community Information System approach in a context of conflict: the case of irrigation in Charente

Abstract

Irrigation in Poitou-Charentes exemplifies the tensions that exist between agriculture and other societal sectors. To overcome these conflicts, a Community Information System (CIS) for the purpose of both data management and community development has been set up in Charente by a group of policymakers, researchers and agricultural advisers. This paper describes our analysis of the differences among participants in the development of this CIS in terms of their points of view and expectations. Drawing on an analysis of a set of interviews conducted with these stakeholders in 2006, we propose a framework for use during the initial design phase of a CIS to make stakeholder expectations explicit and to promote a shared understanding prior to setting up a CIS.