Comparing village characteristics derived from rapid appraisals and household surveys: a tale from northern Mali

This article compares findings deduced from participatory appraisal techniques with those obtained by more conventional assessments, notably household surveys and specifically those drawn from a local, recently revised census. Its particular focus is on measuring wellbeing in an area in Mali, with particular reference to household food security and child under-nutrition. It investigates how the different methods of assessment can reveal discrepancies relative to the method of data collection used which impact in a contradictory way on deductions.