Participation and numbers

This article explores some of the evidence, experience, and questions concerning the generation of numbers using participatory approaches and methods. The main focus is the generation of numbers from several or many sources using participatory approaches, methods, and behaviours which are to some degree standardised and predetermined. The article provides examples of participatory ways local people can generate numbers and how these number are usually aggregated by outside facilitators. It discusses methodological and research issues, in particular the application of statistic principles and highlights the potential of participatory numbers to empower and to be used as an alternative to questionnaires. The article concludes by discussing why participatory numbers has not really been recognised by mainstream professionals and questions how to spread good methodological and ethical practice.