Revisiting some myths and realities about PRA

This article reflects critically on the use of PRA in the development sector. Although PRA is widely seen as a vital tool in facilitating a community's involvement, participation and ultimately ownership in the process of their own development, the author cautions that widespread use of PRA by inadequately trained practitioners can make it ineffective. A self-critical analysis of its practice by each practitioner is critical to realising PRA's full potential in understanding people and their life situations. The article also touches on the benefits of PRA, provided the right attitudes are in place, and the challenges for scaling up.