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Towards a Learning Paradigm: New Professionalism and Institutions for Agriculture

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Authors: 
Pretty, J.
Chambers, Robert
1993

Abstract

Considers the changes that are afoot with regard to learning, research and extension within agriculture in developing countries. Decentralization, participatory approaches and such methods are gradually becoming less marginalized, with the professional rewards of their adoption rising compared with the risks. For change to be rapid and sustainable requires the mutual reinforcement of participatory methods, new learning environments, and institutional support. The paper contains sections on the following: changing phases in agricultural research, extension and development; a vision for the future; the role of governments and state institutions; non governmental organizations; international agricultural research and the CGIAR; local institutions; education and learning organizations; and institutional and policy implications for the new professionalism. It is concluded that a sound strategy is steady lateral spread through alliances, mutual support, networking, training and sharing, stressing not only methods and learning environments, but also personal behaviour and attitudes. This paper begins with the perspective that "the dominant positivist and modernist frameworks have singularly failed to help poor people and reduce inequity." It proceeds to consider the options and alternatives to the dominant paradigm considering common uniting themes. Some of these themes are: the affirmation of individuals and their perspectives, the importance of context and therefore limitations on the whole notion of transferability and replicability and the importance of participation.

Publisher

Kotappatty Micro Watershed Development Programme

Authors: 
Activists for Social Alternatives
1993

Abstract

This is a midterm participatory evaluation report of a watershed programme in Tiruchirappalli, South India. The project used PRA techniques (integrated with other methods) in the planning and impact evaluation stages. The report includes a detailed background to the programme and quantitative findings. No detail is given on how the PRA activities were carried out as the emphasis is on the information collected, including case-studies on the impact on women's status.

Publisher

Workshop on AKRSP's Experience with PRAP

Authors: 
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme
1990

Abstract

A workshop was held on AKRSP's experience with Participatory Rural Appraisal and Planning (PRAP). The background papers explain how PRAP was developed from RRA, and became integral to project planning. Details of PRAP methodology, organisation and reporting systems are given and a typical four day PRAP described. The report of the workshop gives more detail of planning and conducting PRAP exercises, discussing specific PRA methods like transects. Training strategies are analysed and the annexures include a list of proposed indicators of a good PRAP.

Publisher

The Changing Roles of NGOs in the Field of Education (in the context of changing relationships with the state)

Authors: 
Archer, D.
1993

Abstract

Case-studies of basic education programmes in El Salvador, Bangladesh, India and Uganda illustrate how NGOs can operate in relation to Government. ActionAid, a British NGO, is now piloting the use of PRA and visual "symbol cards" within literacy programmes. The Bundibugyo project in Uganda is described in detail to show how a literacy curriculum can be developed through PRA techniques, introducing key words through activities such as construction of a health calendar. NGOs can thus have a role in the field of education if they produce "well-documented and systematised action-research", rather than the "uncomfortable role of service delivery".

Spreading and self-improving: a strategy for wider impact

Authors: 
anon.

Abstract

RRA and PRA are cited as examples of methodological innovations which are important in the development work of NGOs. The spread in the use of these techniques is discussed, and the differences between training in RRA and the experiential understanding of PRA is stressed. Self improving relies not on quality control, training and manuals from a centre, but on making self critical awareness an integral part of the approach. However, this requires vision, will and creativity on the part of individuals and a change in the culture of NGOs and government organisations. The potential for this is improving with increased communications and changes in organisational structures and sympathies.

Community Participation in Rural Water Supply Projects in Northern Punjab and AJK: an exploratory study (Volumes I and II)

Authors: 
Zafar, R.
1994

Abstract

The report aims to evaluate the structures and organisational systems associated with effective water user groups, analysing the factors that hinder or support their role in the management of water supply schemes. Although the study is termed participatory, no direct mention of the methodology used is made. However, the study provides some very structured and detailed information on different aspects of water management collected in a survey of 69 villages. Volume I provides information on organisational issues in water management. Volume II instead illustrates five case studies covering a range of issues including social impact of technological choice and community level subsidisation.

Publisher

Vietnamising PRA: reflections of a group of Vietnamese PRA trainers and trainees

Authors: 
Craig, D.
et al
1996

Abstract

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.

Rural development forestry in Scotland : the struggle to bring international principles and best practices to the last bastion of British colonial forestry.

Authors: 
Inglis, Andy S.
Guy, Susan
1997

Abstract

Examines the failure of the state forestry agency (the Forestry Commission) to involve local rural communities in the management of its substantial forest land holdings in Scotland. This disregard for local people is in spite of the governments declared support for the UNCED Forest Principles and the article suggests that the FC would do well to learn from the governments overseas technical assistance programmes.
The experience of three Scottish NGO's to ensure the participation of local people at all stages of forestry planning and implementation through the use of PRA is outlined. This programme is revealed to have met with some opposition from the Foestry Commission but at the same time to have acted as a catalyst for recent changes in forest policy.

Publisher

ODI

London, UK
http://www.odi.org.uk

The use of PRA in ActionAid-The Gambia

Authors: 
Howes, Mick
2002

Abstract

This paper explores how PRA has been used by Action Aid The Gambia (AATG) and seeks to establish the effect this has had in the areas where it has worked.

The first part traces the development of the activities, structures and procedures of AATG during the period prior to the introduction of PRA. This is followed by a description of the way PRA has been absorbed and utilised in the subsequent evolution of the NGO. It goes on to investigate the impact of the new approach on poverty, gender relations, and the capacity of local organisations. In conclusion an attempt is made to assess and account for the overall contribution made by PRA and to see how it might be employed differently in the future.

PRA assessment: a case of ZOA Refugee Care Rwanda

Authors: 
Schot, Sander
Ndahiro, Donald
2001

Abstract

This paper presents some basic challenges faced by ZOA-Refugee Care, an international Christian NGO, in Rwanda in recent years. The organisation has been working in the post-1994 genocide and war period to provide emergency aid, and now increasingly focuses on community development work. The paper reports on the background of the project, issues around institutional environment and organisation change of ZOA-Rwanda, notes from the PRA sessions held, and follow-up processes. Along with specific recommendations, it is seen that the decentralisation policy of the Rwandan government offers a good opportunity for a participatory approach, particularly as local authorities have a large impact on the progress of a development programme and are crucial to inducing change.

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