FG 497: Structural Change and Transition in Agriculture TP 7: Communication Processes in Agro-Environmental Policy Development and decision-making I

(Sub)Project 7 aims at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of political communication processes regarding transformation and structural change within the agricultural sector. The agro-environmental programmes of the federal state of Sachsen-Anhalt are used as an example to illustrate problematic issues (particularly concerning the upcoming "modulation"). The research project is based on the assumption that - keeping the complexity of the issue in mind - main actors have acknowledged the need to improve decision-making processes. Our hypothesis: A lasting improvement of efficiency and effectiveness is only possible if agro-environmental programmes are widely accepted by different stakeholders. To achieve acceptance it is necessary to voice and integrate the varying interests of stakeholders and programme participants in the planning as well as the decision-making process. The iterative rather than straight forward course of this communication process will have to meet high expectations. To ensure the success of these processes providing a high degree of transparency is essential. However, the characteristics of traditional bureaucratic organisations may hinder meeting these demands. While project 6 is concentrating on the development of a PC-based model supporting decision-making processes, project 7 will test selected qualitative methods allowing for the collection, analysis and integration of additional relevant information. The term "information" is meant comprehensively and includes actor and problem analyses as well as assuring transparency about goals and values determining decision-making processes. Within the research project the (limited) collection of information will only serve methodological development. A further task of the project is to test and operationalise instruments for the integration of stakeholder feedback. There is a wide variety of potential instruments developed throughout other research activities of the Chair which will be applied, tested and adapted to this interactive model in a political context.