Kuhn, Berthold

This paper examines the use of PRA ten years after its introduction into mainstream development practice. It discusses the evolution of participatory models of project planning, the methods of rapid rural appraisal, and shortcomings of PRA exercises. While acknowledging the important contributions that PRA has made to development efforts, the author argues that they are not isolated interventions at the expense of other methods.

The book criticises common concepts strategies and methodologies of participatory development. It looks at the Panchayats in India and argues that the newly elected Panchayats are likely to contribute more to the empowerment of the poorest and their participation in the development process than NGOs driven by middle class values.