This document provides a decision-making framework for sustainable land management (SLM). It outlines 3 options for action on a given piece of land: improved productivity, business as usual, or alternative livelihoods. It recommends estimating the net economic benefits of each option to determine where to focus efforts. Further steps include improving land productivity, generating income from alternative livelihoods, and investing in enabling policies and human resources. The document also provides tables to help evaluate SLM practices based on technical, social, and economic criteria. It outlines different levels and elements to consider when implementing SLM practices, from the household to international levels.

1. Aids to decision making for SLM
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2. Decision-making framework
A given piece of land, for a
Starting point: given legal, political and
economic context
3 options for Do nothing Alternative livelihoods
action: Improved productivity
(business as usual) (economic activities)
Estimate total
economic value Net economic Net economic Net economic
of economic benefit from benefit from benefit from
costs and Improved productivity business as usual Alternative livelihoods
benefits:

3. Where to focus efforts?
Sustainable land management
and livelihoods
Further improve land Generate income from
and water productivity alternative livelihoods
Increased land and water
Implement alternative livelihoods
productivity
through diversification and market
access
Invest in land and
water productivity Identify viable
alternative livelihoods
Invest in enabling policy
environment and human
resource development

4. Evaluation of soil & water conservation practices
Criterion Bench terrace Grass strip Inter-cropping
Technical +++ ++ +
performance
Fits with existing - + ++
practice
Costs related to - + ++
importance of
problem
Costs related to - - +
farmer’s capabilities
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5. Evaluation of soil & water conservation practices
Criterion Bench terrace Grass strip Inter-cropping
Short term benefits - - +
Fits with farmer’s - + +++
understanding
Fits with existing + ++ +++
land tenure system
Fits with local + + ++
institutional
framework
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6. Levels and elements to consider in
implementation of a SLM practice
Level of analysis
Elements in Household/ Community Region State/ International
decision local Scientific/
making Official
Perception of
symptoms
Diagnosis of
causes
Prioritization
of needs
Identification
of solutions
Assess
technical
feasibility of
solutions
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7. Levels and elements to consider in
implementation of a SLM practice
Level of analysis
Elements in Household/ Community Region State/ International
decision local Scientific/
making Official
Cost-benefit
and risks of
solutions
Assess need
for
collaboration
Access to
capital/land
tenure
Policy
incentive/
Disincentive/
Distorting
incentives
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