Use of PRA with Regard to HIV and AIDS: Some Possible Applications

This paper investigates the potential for using various PRA methods in an AIDS-related context. It looks at diagramming and ranking techniques which have been used in community development projects in different countries in Africa and Asia and suggests ways they could be used in AIDS work. The paper focuses on five questions. WHO are the different people who make up the group called the community? WHAT needs do the different sections of the community have? WHEN are different people most in need of assistance? HOW do people view their own lives in relation to the wider social and economic context? WHY are things as they are? It is suggested that PRA methods can help AIDS workers understand the complexity of people's lives and the difficulties and opportunities they face. This in turn can lead to the development of more effective AIDS prevention, care and support projects.