Samaranayake, M.

Outlines the partnership between the Self-Help Support Programme (SSP) and the National Development Forum (NDF) in Sri Lanka to develop a more participatory approach to NDFs work in the rural areas. Previously participation had meant farmers contributing labour, without any involvement in decision-making. As a result maintenance follow-up did not take place and the rehabilitated water tanks again began to fall into disrepair. The paper describes the process of developing a new approach, which included a series of training workshops and redefining the roles of field and office staff.

The purpose of the paper is to highlight what aspects of PRA have been covered in manuals and identify gaps. Each review covers the target group, content and tools/ techniques. The potential application of each manual has also been considered. The language style is indicated - whether the text is simple, user frendly or complex and scientific. Comments on the manual are included which illustrate the emphasises placed on different aspects, and strengths and weaknesses of the manual.