The Comparative Advantage and Complementarity between RRA and Formal Survey

This mimeo is an appendix from a volume on farmers attitudes to forest plantation and conservation farming. It is noted that surveys are often accepted as being statistically more precise (though not necessarily accurate) that RRA. But surveys cannot tell stories about how variables are related. RRA offers this sort of understanding in a short space of time, being open-ended and flexible. It asks how should the two be combined? In an experiment, RRA was used to refine questions for a formal survey. Both methods are identified as having their advantages, and disadvantages which are discussed. Details of the experiment, relating to the use of forest resources, are given. Particular attention is paid to the style and use of questions in the survey as compared to RRA, especially sensitive questions. Some methodological conclusions are drawn.