Chambers, Robert

This chapter argues that putting people first in rural development is a necessary condition for good performance of projects. Social information has a key role to play in this. In conventional development approaches, things have been put before people, poorer people have been neglected, conventional social investigation methods have not been cost-effective, and information is owned by outsiders. The pitfalls and biases of conventional methods are discussed in depth. Rapid and participatory methods have potential to avoid these defects.

This paper presents four experiences of NGO's in India with mapping and modelling techniques used in PRA exercises. These were done as part of programmes relating to natural resources, watershed management, PRA training and tank and catchment rehabilitation. Each exercise is described and its successful features commented on. Following these descriptions are discussions of the relative merits of using the ground or paper for mapping, and a list of do's and don'ts in mapping and modelling.

This is a short annotated list of references on well being and wealth ranking. It is by no means exhaustive, and is now a little out of date, but still useful.

This general introduction contains Robert Chambers' notes on the origins, principles and development of RRA and PRA. Dangers and potentials associated with the spread of PRA are considered. The second part of the report continues the themes of the first part (origins, development and challenges for PRA), but focuses on practical approaches and methods. In concise point-form, core principles and practices are discussed, as are some dangers. Hints and tips are given for general approaches to practising PRA.

This training workshop report consists of a selection of short documents on various aspects of PRA. The first, entitled 'Start, Stumble, Self-Correct, Share' contains pertinent warning about the dangers of poor PRA, and hints on what constitutes good PRA (especially appropriate behaviours and attitudes). Subsequent papers discuss the origin, principles and methodology of PRA, with practical tips and information sources for where to learn more about PRA. There are brief guides on several PRA methods (e.g.

This page contains brief comments on training workshops and seminars in Finland and Sweden. One interesting comment concerns the use of videos, made by local people in Tanzania, shown to ministers, whose reactions were videoed and shown to villagers.

These notes form a series of one-page pointers on how to use various R/PRA methods: mapping, matrix ranking, trend analysis, transects, seasonal analysis. Each note consists of a diagram and some tips on do's and donÆts.

This introduction to R/PRA discusses the origins and evolution of RRA, principles and methods of RRA, and key characteristics of PRA. The focus of the latter section is on the primacy of behaviour and attitudes. It is emphasised that villagers have been shown to have greater capabilities than formerly acknowledged. Good rapport is essential to facilitating. Visual sharing is a common element in much PRA. Methods can be sequenced as part of a flexible learning process approach.

This paper reports key highlights and things learned/suggestions for the future from two R/PRAs in India. Main comments concern the benefits of camping in the village, participatory mapping as an introduction, physical models to generate discussion, ranking and quantification, the use of various methods, and presentations by and to villagers. These comments would be useful tips or reminders to trainers and fieldworkers.

This paper provides a general overview of PRA - origins, potentials and problems. The origins of PRA in activist participatory research, agro -ecosystems analysis and other methods are outlined. As a basic contrast, RRA is extractive while in PRA information is more shared and owned by local people. The behaviour and attitudes of outsiders are crucial, including relaxing not rushing, showing respect, 'handing over the stick', and being self-critically aware. Modes of investigation are open-ended, visual, by groups and through comparisons.