Raising expectations through participatory rural appraisals: a false worry

This brief discussion note addresses the frequently expressed concerns that communities should not be used simply to test out methods, and that carrying out a PRA raises too many expectations by local communities. It is argued that these criticisms reflect inadequate planning and a lack of transparency when working with communities. Indeed, raising expectations is actually one of the objectives. If the operational confines are made clear from the start, then raising expectations through participatory methods can generate a momentum for the active involvement of communities.