Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Initiatives

This booklet introduces the PRA work of Activists for Social Alternatives, in Tamilnadu, India. Recognising that their efforts were not reaching the poorest, ASA was introduced to PRA in 1990. The development of RRA and PRA is described, and placed in relation to other participatory methodologies. Key principles of PRA are outlined, viz. reversal of learning, learning rapidly, offsetting biases, optimising trade-offs, triangulating, seeking diversity, facilitating, self-critical awareness, responsibility, and sharing. Practical approaches and methods are listed. A conclusion (drawing on Chambers' article "Start, stumble, self-correct and share") emphasises the importance of behaviours and attitudes.