ACORD

This document describes the evolution of an auto-evaluation programme in the Gao and Tombouctou regions where ACORD-Mali is working to support informal village groups and associations. The programme aims to develop techniques which involve communities from project design to evaluation and is collaborating with two local research organisations, IMRAD and IRAM. Mechanisms used are: an identification/animation phase; action research; use of local resource persons; co-operation and consultation with the government; links with regional and local planning; and auto-evaluation.

This report and bibliography is intended to provide ACORD programmes with information on the literature concerning participatory development methodologies in Africa. The report provides an overview of the literature and identifies key documents and methods, as well as outlining ACORD's experience in four countries. The bibliography includes ACORD reports relating to participatory techniques, and annotations of easily available selected materials which would be of most interest to ACORD programmes.