Learning with the community through participatory rural appraisal

Learning with the community, through PRA, is the theme of this issue of World Neighbours in Action. The article describes some of the key features of PRA and participatory methodology. It details some of the methods and tools used in PRA, such as participatory mapping and modeling, trend analysis and trend diagramming, transect maps, matrix ranking and scoring, seasonal diagramming and analysis, wealth ranking, daily activity profiles and chapati diagrams. The article discusses how to move forward after the information-gathering phase of a PRA, suggesting means by which to assist the community in analysing the information collected, in identifying issues that need to be addressed, in identifying resources that are available both within and outside the community, in prioritising the problems and developing a plan of action. It also suggests how to bring such village management plans to the government and NGOs, and to manage, evaluate and monitor any projects that may result. It concludes by warning against the manipulation of PRA tools, and urges for a process of 'handing over the stick'.