Participatory impact assessment in Ethiopia: linking policy reforms to field experience

This paper describes how a national-level Participatory Impact Assessment Team (PIAT) was set up in Ethiopia to inform policy on the requirements for effective Community Animal Health Workers (CAHW) projects. The first part of the paper describes how the PIAT was set up and how training was provided in participatory impact assessment. Then two impact assessments in the field are summarised, which were the first attempts by the PIAT to use participatory approaches and methods.The main findings were that the use of participatory methodology is a way of linking communities with the more influential professionals. It proved essential to take professionals out of the office if they are to realise the achievements and constraints of the CAHW projects. It is also suggested that the links between animal health and human livelihoods be considered. Common constraints from the fieldwork were: lack of time, too much information, and difficulties in analysis and presentation.