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The identification of relevant stakeholders in each case study region followed a structured mapping process. Given the diversity of actors involved in agricultural water and nutrient management, a comprehensive approach was required to ensure balanced representation across sectors.
One of the key methods applied was the snowball sampling approach, a commonly used technique in stakeholder identification processes.
What is the Snowball Method?
The snowball method is a participatory identification technique in which initially identified stakeholders are asked to recommend additional relevant actors within their professional or regional networks. This iterative process helps to progressively expand the stakeholder pool.
In OPTAIN, the snowball method was used to:
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Broaden stakeholder representation beyond initial institutional contacts
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Identify locally influential actors not immediately visible through formal channels
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Capture expertise across farming, advisory, policy, research and environmental sectors
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Ensure diversity of perspectives within the Multi-Actor Reference Groups (MARGs)
This approach reduced the risk of narrow or biased stakeholder selection.
Ensuring Balanced Representation
The stakeholder mapping process aimed to include actors representing:
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Farmers and agricultural organisations
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Advisory services and extension experts
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Public authorities and policy representatives
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Research and technical experts
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Environmental organisations and NGOs
By combining structured mapping with snowball sampling, OPTAIN ensured that regional stakeholder groups reflected the institutional, technical and practical dimensions of water and nutrient management.
Role within the OPTAIN Framework
The purpose of stakeholder identification was not to recruit participants for implementation activities, but to establish a representative consultation structure capable of contributing to:
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Selection of NSWRM to be modelled
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Definition of relevant performance indicators
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Discussion of modelling assumptions
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Evaluation of optimisation trade-offs
The snowball method therefore supported the development of inclusive and context-sensitive analytical processes within the project.
Contribution to Project Robustness
Through systematic stakeholder identification, OPTAIN strengthened:
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Legitimacy of participatory processes
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Transparency in actor selection
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Diversity of expertise feeding into modelling scenarios
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Credibility of optimisation interpretations
This structured approach to stakeholder mapping ensured that local knowledge was meaningfully integrated into the modelling and optimisation framework, while maintaining the scientific integrity of the project.
By using the Snowball Method, the identification of stakeholders for NSWRM projects becomes more inclusive and comprehensive, ensuring that all relevant voices are heard and that the measures selected are well-informed by local knowledge and conditions.