PRA five years later - where are we now?

This assessment of the current state of PRA opens with a discussion on the development of RRA and PRA from the 1970s. The key principles are highlighted in box 1, with emphasis in the text on facilitation, sharing and behaviour and attitudes. The differences between RRA an PRA are primarily ones of purpose, for example RRA is a way for outsiders to learn, while PRA refers to a process which empowers local people. PRA is spreading fast, and there is great potential and a huge number of opportunities. Benefits cited include: empowering the poor and weak; diversification; community process; research priorities; organisational changes and; policy review. There are however challenges problems and these are also mentioned. The boxes throughout this article touch on methods and continuation of the PRA process. Finally, ten "myths" of PRA are given - including myths such as that its quick or its easy.