Johnson, Deb

Learning with the community through participatory rural appraisal

Learning with the community, through PRA, is the theme of this issue of World Neighbours in Action. The article describes some of the key features of PRA and participatory methodology. It details some of the methods and tools used in PRA, such as participatory mapping and modeling, trend analysis and trend diagramming, transect maps, matrix ranking and scoring, seasonal diagramming and analysis, wealth ranking, daily activity profiles and chapati diagrams.

The larger context: PRA within a community development process

This discussion paper examines key elements of a community development process, of which PRA is but one aspect. The paper firstly gives a brief analysis of the usage and effectiveness of PRA tools. It then goes on to include sections on US Development, What is Community, Building Community, Participation, Levels of Participation, Types of Community Members, Leadership, Facilitation and Analysis of Information Gathered. Finally the paper provides a diagram of the Community Development Maze, a visual aid to understanding the community development process