Resources

In this article the author describes the experience of an international NGO [ACCORD] in its attempt to develop, with community groups, a process known as "auto-evaluation" - which aims to establish project objectives that are consistent with both community and agency criteria, and to evaluate their achievement against "community-determined indicators". While PRA is not explicitly mentioned, the discussion concerning the practical lessons that have been learnt to date with the implementation of this type of participatory or community-based evaluation mechanism, is highly relevant.

This 'module' was formulated by ITAD and furnished to all World Food programme [WFP] staff. It describes several applications of Beneficiary Contact Monitoring [BCM] which can be used by the WFP to "improve monitoring by contacting the beneficiaries in person and seeking their views about project activities". The stated aims of the module are; 1. to explain the applications of BCM, 2. To explain the techniques for individual and group interviews and, 3. To illustrate where these applications would be most suitable. PRA methods are not mentioned, although RRAs are discussed in some depth. It is also noticeable that no mention is made of women or those 'beneficiaries' that do not come to the "group interviewing sessions". Despite these omissions, there are some useful points in the module, especially with reference to how to formulate questions so as to ensure unbiased information is obtained.

The author had to field test alley cropping in Nigeria with limited-resource farmers. There was much resistance to a concept which did not translate well into any local language, thereby creating confusion. Alley cropping also promoted tree planting when local practice required clearing them; women were especially reluctant to plant trees on their land as it could lead to repatriation of their land by their men. Together with several villagers and teachers, the author came up with a play about the 'Fertiliser Bush' which could be performed by community members. The fertilizer idea was locally well- understood and the use of drama was traditionally respected and enjoyed.

In 1984, MYRADA and the Government of Karnataka, with backing from the Swiss Development Co-operation, started working together in Gulbarga on a project focusing on watershed management. This booklet discusses invaluable practical lessons learnt so far in the PIDOW project about supporting people to better manage their natural resources. The first part discusses general lessons: critical indicators of success (sustainability and equity), people's priorities, the role of people's institutions, and why focus on people's participation in watershed management. The next three sections discuss strategies used in the intervention. They are applicable to projects in which Government and NGO are co-intervenors and operational partners; parts can certainly be adopted by an NGO-only project. The three sections deal with the entry phase, planning phase and implementation phase. The emphasis throughout is on the role of the NGO. The booklet ends with a case study of a situation which differs from the Gulbarga experience and the consequences of such differences in the process which takes place.

The participatory watershed development programme has been ongoing since 1989, though nearing completion. The entire village community is included. The booklet illustrates indicators of programme impact, which the report discusses in greater detail. The links between different actors are strong, and it has proved possible to expand the project to other villages in the region. It is felt that some influence on macro-policies, such as use of the forest by local populations has also ben acheived. The participatory approach taken is explored, as the key influence on the programme. PRA is not used directly. Several lifestories are included, including villagers assesments of the changes in the area due to the programme. Available in booklet and report form, slight differences but content similar. The report contains much more detailed analysis, the booklet is for circulation.

Mlenge, with Johansson as consultant, carried out a six-week study in Bariadi District, Tanzania, "on indigenous knowledge, attitudes and practices (IKAP) in relation to plants and environmental degradation", using a team of local persons. The report focuses on the "dagashida", a community assembly of men which formulates laws and sanctions and which used to have more power. Three "dagashida's" to which women were also invited were held in three villages, specifically on environmental issues. All three raised very similar issues and recommendations. The authors feel the "dagashida" has much potential in community management of natural resources. They also feel working with IKAP, which lies between research and extension, can contribute to change