From RRA to...? The Process Begins

This paper concerns the adoption and development of R/PRA methodology and methods by MYRADA, an NGO in India. They recognised that 'rapid' should become 'participatory', that it need not be 'rural', and that few understand 'appraisal', and suggest an emphasis on 'learning' instead - hence the terminology Participatory Learning Methods (PALM). The paper reviews their experiences in four areas: (i) enhancing participation from villagers, emphasising protocol, village camps, ice breakers, the 1:1 ratio, friendly enquiry rather than lecturing, and the importance of starting on the right note, each of which is discussed in detail; (ii) participatory planning, emphasising clarification of the purpose of PRA, PRA for real, interest groups, roles , costs, resources and time frame; (iii) developing PRA methods, by delineating various stages of a PRA exercise into preparatory, briefing, programme content, group processes, and documentation; (iv) training. The final section consists of comments on problems/constraints, e.g. rapidity, gimmickry, interpretation, etc.