Participatory Problem Analysis and Project Planning: Experiences with Rapid Rural Appraisal and Seminars on Sustainable Agriculture in U.M.P. Communal Lands and Mudzi District Agricultural Development Projects

In the U.M.P. Communal Lands and Mudzi District Agricultural Development Projects in Zimbabwe, informal surveys based on RRA methods (e.g. semi-structured interviews), and seminars on sustainable agriculture, were used to identify and analyse the major constraints on agricultural production in the project areas. The paper includes reflections on the methods used and the quality of results. After setting up a problem tree together with farmers, activities were suggested to tackle prioritised problem areas. Experience shows that this approach is useful as a first step in project planning. Recommendations are made to improve the process and enhance farmer participation.