PRA: Challenges, Potentials and Paradigms

The introduction includes a summary of the principals and evolution of PRA. Two types of spread in the use of PRA are identified - in terms of the basic components of participatory methodology, behaviour and attitudes, and sharing of knowledge and experience - and in terms of the lateral, personal and experiential mode of spread through field experiences, familiarization workshops, through villages and through materials such as RRA notes. The spread of PRA through these methods has been rapid. This has led to dangers associated with rapid and rigid adoption - as an instant fashion, work that is too rushed, formal or routinized. There is concern over the quality of much of this PRA. However, there are potentials and challenges, identified as: work that goes beyond farming systems research; participatory alternatives to questionnaires; empowerment and equity; local facilitators; policy research and change; personal behaviour, attitudes and learning; the use of PRA in organisations. The paper concludes with a discussion of the significance of PRA, parallel to paradigmatic shifts in other disciplines, and the importance of attendant shifts in development thinking.