Resources

This paper discusses the nature of local people's knowledge and the important role it can play in fostering a participatory development process in rural areas. The paper draws its case material from two tree planting and woodland manangement projects in Zimbabwe (Shurugwi Agroforestry Project and Zvishavane-Chivi indigenous woodland management project). First, the conceptual framework is analysed in which rural people's knowledge has been placed, in particular by people from other cultures. The second part of the paper assesses how official knowledge has been promulgated among rural people in Zimbabwe by way of historical analysis of forestry extension practices. Thirdly attention is given to how knowledge is structured at the local level. Finally two projects are examined which attempt to bridge the gap between official and rural people's knowledge. Although some RRA methods are employed, such as ranking tree species, the methodology and sources of information are not made clear. (Based on the authors' summary)

Report of a "training for trainers" workshop in PLA. The workshop had a special focus on behavioural aspects of PLA and also on its use in stages of project planning other than needs assessment, where it is most commonly utilised, including its application in project monitoring and also in rural extension activities.

This article uses a case study of the Mabalauta Workshop in Zimbabwe to examine whether PRA can produce comparable and/or better quantitative economic data than traditional economic methods and whether PRA methods are more cost effective than the traditional techniques. Both methodologies were found to have their particular strengths and weaknesses, but could be combined to create a 'portfolio' of choices that complement each other.

This book brings together writings on the discourses, politics and practice of participation in development.  It explores the conceptual and methodological dimensions of participatory research and the politics and practice of participation in development. It brings together classic and contemporary writings from a literature that spans a century and in doing so offers a unique perspective on the possibilities and dilemmas that face those seeking to empower people affected by development projects, programmes and policies.