ASA's Experience in New Villages

This report provides one answer to the question: Is it possible to do PRA in a totally new area? PRA was tried in 25 new villages in Tamilnadu, India, from which Activists for Social Alternatives (an Indian NGO) answer the question positively. Moreover, they were more relaxed there. They walked into a village and introduced themselves. A group convened in a Panchayat building and mapping of the village began. Village history was discussed. Trends in food, cropping and livestock rearing were discussed. Finally, seasonality was discussed. On the second day the map was used to discuss health issues and wealth ranking. The experience was relaxed for the facilitators because of being relieved of the teachers' role. Additional attention to the selection of informants must be paid. The participation of youngsters in the exercises gives hope for continuing work with the village.