Resources

This paper outlines how PRA can be of value to the policy making process by drawing on practical examples from around the world. The paper argues that not only is PRA important in providing poor people with a voice but that it can also challenge the perceptions, behaviours and attitudes of those in authority. The paper warns of the dangers of rapid scaling up of PRA.

This paper describes how chapati diagramming was used with two groups at a community centre; the management committee and a Parents and Toddlers Group, to examine how each group perceived their degree of access to decision-making proesses. The author reflects on how group dynamics and unequal power relations determine what is represented. Moreover, since venn diagramming demands consensus highly individual opinions, by virtue of being represented on the diagram, can become identified as a collective representation of a particular group's 'reality' by people who did not observe the accompanying discussion process.

This paper reflects on an 8-day training workshop held for local NGO development workers focusing on developing appropriate behaviour and attitudes. The training included practical field work , that went beyond needs assessment to develop action plans and commitment to act.

This article describes step by step the evaluation process used to examine the impact of three years of a WN project. The process involved villagers, village and inter-village leaders, technical WN stafff and external resource people. Villagers were involved in deciding the terms of reference, establishing the village sample using ranking, collection of data and analysis. Collection of data was carried out using both qualitative and quantitative methods, with an emphasis on triangulation of the data.

This article describes the way in which the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committees (PARC) have introduced a participatory monitoring and evaluation process into their work that is closely linked to planning. Not only were a wide scope of participatory methods found to be necessary but also an organisational commitment to 'participation' and the creation of a framework to encourage it.

Introductory article for special issue of PLA notes resulting from an international workshop on participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM & E). Provides a comprehensive overview of PM & E, recent developments in its practice and emerging issues.