Poor performance of existing irrigation systems is commonly perceived to be the result of a lack of involvement by farmers in their design and management. Attempts to solve this have focussed on the establishment of water user groups. Based on case studies from two contrasting areas in the Rajasthan Canal Project, this paper argues that it is esential to understand the different tenure-based differences existing amongst water users, since they determine strongly the prospects of the formation and success of farmers organisations and ultimately of irrigation management transfer.
This paper argues Landcare is showing a way forward to sustainable agriculture by developing a farming community which can respond to changing economic, environmental and technological conditions and to societies changing priorities. Moreover, Landcare is beginning to establish a system of monitoring and guiding the community's performance.
Manual outlining how and why PRA has developed and underlying principles, attitudes and values behind the approach and also providing detail on a number of PRA exercises, with descriptions, examples and tips.
This paper discusses the potential for convergence between PRA (participatory rural appraisal) and PAR (participatory action research) concentrating on ways of bridging the gap between outsiders and local populations. Using examples from different countries in Latin America, the exploration touches on complex processes within and between individuals and societies.
This document comprises of a plan for participatory research work to explore the isssues of HIV with immigrants and sexual health workers. Methods to be used include daily listing, focus group discussions and life histories. The paper includes a section explaining why these methods have been chosen rather than questionnaires.
This paper is a report on an assessment of health and related needs as experienced and perceived by residents in Efaye, a rural community in the New Hanover area, KwaZulu-Natal. It was carried out in association with the New Hanover Primary Health Care and Development Programme, which aims to promote healthy villages and improve primary health care in local communities. Following a three day training course the research team worked with local residents to represent and analyse issues such as perceptions of health and well-being, access to health services, why people use different health services, perceptions of health problems and priority needs for action and ideas for action plans. Planning for action and further research remain in process. This assessment represents the beginning of a planned ongoing process of participatory research and action by other rural communities in the New Hanover Health District.
Findings from research carried out in residential communities adjacent to chemical industries in Durban. The purpose of the research was to begin the process of developing community-based quality of life indicators for monitoring and evaluating the performance of the industries. This was done using a range of participatory methods with men and women in community groups, and was part of a wider set of Local Agenda 21 activities within the city.
Proposal for a project to explore the mechanisms of power and resulting powerlessness or empowerment in the current mental health system using video.