Resources

A brief summary by bullet points of lessons from the Dry Zone project. The last page is table of PRA steps taken, the principles applied, the tools used and the important learning experiences.

El "Planeamiento Rural Andino" deriva de la metodologÝa participatÝva por un mÚtodo de planeamiento de "abajo hacia arriba". Fue concebido como un instrumento metodol¾gico que sirve a los sectores organizados de tradici¾n andina para una reflexi¾n sistematÝca de sus problemas, permitiendoles llegar a consensos, con los que elaboran sus planes de trabajo que orientarßn sus acciones en un determinado tiempo. El PAC aparece entonces como una respuesta metodol¾gica para mejorar las modalidades de manejo de los proyectos de desarrollode base echando bases firmes para la autogesti¾n comunitaria. El mÚtodo puede ser adaptado a diversas condiciones Útnicas, regionales, de actividad y genero. TambiÚn puede ser adaptado a diversa coyunturas. Este manual se divide en tres partes: en la primera, se discuten los fundamentos te¾ricos del PAC; en la segunda, se presenta la experiencia del planeamiento a nivel comunitario; y en el tercero se muestra el planeamiento a nivel de una federaci¾n. De hecho, en las dos ·ltimas partes, se presentan de manera sencilla y resumida las definiciones, los pasos operativos y los ejemplos recogidos de la experiencia.

Rather than challenging the universal validity of PRA, this discussion paper focuses on the practical task of "doing PRAs" in a new and alien context. The authors advocate the acknowledgement and acceptance of local cultural trends, power relations and structures of authority when undertaking participatory research. This will allow to work with, rather than around these factors. Hence, the proposed "Vietnamisation" of PRA so as to allow local voices to shape the values and techniques of PRA itself. But, just how Vietnamised can PRA become until it comes into conflict with international liberal PRA values? This broad discussion originated in a workshop organised in Hanoi on Community Research Methods in February and March 1996. The issues covered by the paper include: introducing PRA and PRA values in Vietnamese communities, gender, local leadership and dominance; and international donors and PRA. Methodological issues covered are: sampling, recording of research information, interviews, focus group discussions and mapping.

Newsletter informing about World Neighbors' preliminary phase in the implementation of a community based natural resource management programme in Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.

First Workshop: Workshop organised by the Forestry Department of the Makerere University, the coordinating agency for FTPP in Uganda. The training involved three stages: i) introduction to PRA concepts and methods, groups exercises and planning fieldwork; ii) fieldwork in villages, analysis of local problems and priorities, hypothesis testing; iii) report preparation, reflection and evaluation. Second Workshop: shorter three day workshop aimed to consolidate PRA networking in the country. It was attended by NGO representatives from all over Uganda.