Contact/s:
Emma Knol
emma.knol@wur.nl
Jorieke Potters
jorieke.potters@wur.nl
Water Measures Dialogue Matrix - A Method for Facilitating Stakeholder Dialogue and Assessing Climate Smart Measures
Europe
All
1. Prioritize measures transparently based on effectiveness and feasibility.
2. Captures diverse stakeholder knowledge and local expertise.
3. Build consensus and ownership for implementation of climate smart water measures.
Thematic Areas
Production System/s
Summary for Practicioners on the Main Finding(s)/Innovative solution(s)
Within Dutch Living Lab (LL), we focus on identifying water management measures that can reduce the impacts of climate change and weather extremes on arable farming in the Netherlands. To support their assessment, we developed the Water Measure Dialogue Matrix, which facilitates discussion on feasibility and effectiveness. The matrix was applied in a workshop with water authorities, farmers and researchers, enabling a joint evaluation of measures from different perspectives.
The Water Measure Dialogue Matrix is a practical method that helps farmers, advisors and other stakeholders identify and prioritise climate-smart measures. It combines individual knowledge with group dialogue to evaluate two criteria: effectiveness and feasibility.
The approach starts with selecting measures, typically up to ten. Each is briefly described and independently scored, for example from 1 to 5, for effectiveness and feasibility. Effectiveness reflects the expected contribution to climate adaptation or farm resilience. Feasibility covers costs, technical complexity, required knowledge and implementation barriers.
The scores are then discussed in a group session, including agreement, pros and cons, and different perspectives. Measures are positioned on a feasibility-effectiveness graph, showing those that are both effective and achievable, as well as those requiring additional investment, policy support or innovation.
The main innovation is combining quantitative scoring with qualitative dialogue in a simple format. It captures local knowledge and practical experience, highlights trade-offs between impact and implementation, and supports learning across perspectives.
The matrix can be used in workshops, demonstration events, farmer networks, advisory meetings and regional discussions. It is particularly useful for comparing measures and identifying priorities for implementation, knowledge development or action agendas at farm, landscape or regional scale.
Summary for Practicioners in Native Language
Binnen ons Living Lab (LL) richten we ons op het identificeren van waterbeheermaatregelen die de gevolgen van klimaatverandering en extreme weersomstandigheden voor de akkerbouw in Nederland kunnen verminderen. Om de beoordeling van deze maatregelen te ondersteunen, hebben we de Water Measure Dialogue Matrix ontwikkeld, die de discussie over haalbaarheid en effectiviteit faciliteert. De matrix is toegepast tijdens een workshop met waterschappen, boeren en onderzoekers, waardoor maatregelen gezamenlijk vanuit verschillende perspectieven konden worden beoordeeld.
Additional Information
The Dialogue Matrix can be used to assess a wide range of climate-smart measures, for example water measures, measures regarding soil health, livestock production, biodiversity, nutrient management, and energy management. By focusing on effectiveness and feasibility, the method can easily be adapted to different themes and stakeholder groups.
The matrix is suitable for both farm level and regional level assessments. Farmers and other stakeholders can use it to identify the most promising measures for improving resilience and sustainability on individual farms. At the regional level, it supports collaboration among farmers, water authorities, policymakers, and researchers to identify shared priorities and evaluate measures that require collective action.
Additional Dissemination and Communication Materal(s)
Climate-Smart Water Management in the Veenkoloniën Living Lab (Netherlands)