This document discusses matching the complexity of information presented to the intended audience. It suggests using three levels of complexity: simple, mid-range, and advanced. The simple level uses visuals like photographs and posters with simple descriptions. The mid-range level describes information in academic reports and publications. The advanced level provides overviews and uses fully referenced scientific papers. It provides questions to help decide the appropriate complexity level based on the audience's literacy, expectations for technical detail, and whether the information will be used for decision making at local or higher levels.

1. Matching information complexity to the audience N. Geeson, MEDES

2. How does desertification affect all the different audiences? How can you present your results in ways that will interest and help them?

3. For DESIRE we have chosen to concentrate on using three levels of complexity, in an attempt to provide something of interest for most audiences

4. Messages to stakeholders Format of information Evaluation of strategies, illustrated and described simply… Potential strategies, illustrated and described simply… Indicators… illustrated and described simply… Posters and carefully chosen photographs… Simple As shown on HIS : Evaluation of strategies… As shown on HIS : Potential strategies… As shown on HIS : Indicators… As shown on HIS , plus downloadable Posters, leaflet or booklet, maps, diagrams… Middle-range complexity Evaluation of strategies, as described in academic reports and publications Potential strategies, as described in academic reports and publications Indicators, as described in academic reports and publications As shown in academic reports and publications Advanced complexity Evaluation of strategies Selecting strategies and putting them into action Assessment, use of indicators Overview of problems

5. The following questions may help you to decide which level of complexity is most appropriate for your audience

6. 1. Are the audience scientists? - Yes: Use fully referenced scientific research papers, plus material suitable for a literate audience ( Advanced and Mid-range complexity ) - No: Go to 2 What do we know about our audiences?

7. 2. Is the audience literate? - Yes: Go to 3 - No: Use oral presentations, plus pictorial and video material to convey explanation and instruction ( Simple level of complexity )

8. 3. Will the audience expect technical detail? - Yes: Go to 4 - No: Use less detailed explanations, less text and more visual material ( Simple and Mid-range levels of complexity )

9. 4. Will technical detail be used for decision-making at higher than local level? - Yes: Use clear concise explanation or instructions or policy briefs ( Advanced and/or Mid-range complexity ) - No: Use explanations or instructions suited to local conditions ( Mid-range complexity )