Participatory Learning and Action 12:
Issue 12 Contents 1. Some advantages to having an outsider on the team 2. Revolutionary Rural Appraisal 3. Participatory mapping and modelling: user's notes 4. Rapid appraisal for women in the North-West Frontier of Pakistan 5. Harvesting local forestry knowledge: a comparison of RRA and conventional surveys 6. Beyond chapatis 7. Topical surveys as a tool for a more dynamic farmer-extension worker relationship Endnote |
IIED, July 1991. 57 pp.
Out of print except as part of a full set of back issues:
Summary
This issue includes seven articles covering a range of participatory and RRA methodologies.
Editorial
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1. Some advantages to having an outsider on the team
Don Messerschmidt
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Abstract
Based on RRA experiences in Nepal, this article draws attention to the importance that outsiders can play in group and team dynamics.
2. Revolutionary Rural Appraisal
Susan Johnson
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Abstract
A brief note raising questions about the whole nature (paternalistic or empowering?) of projects and interventions.
3. Participatory mapping and modelling: user's notes
James Mascarenhas and P. D. Prem Kumar
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Abstract
This guide introduces the uses and applications of mapping and modelling in PRA. Different types of mapping (on paper and on the ground), and different applications (social and resource mapping) are described. There is a list of Do's and Don'ts, and two examples of maps.
4. Rapid appraisal for women in the North-West Frontier of Pakistan
Mehreen Hosain
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Abstract
An RRA exercise was conducted prior to the launching of the 'stoves' component of a social forestry programme in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan. This article describes how information about women's status and roles was collected in this strictly purdah area where it reflected on male honour if you even suggested their women were doing any work. The RRA methods used are described in detail since many constraints had to be overcome : women had no formal meeting places, all initial negotiations had to take place through men and it was difficult to prevent over-zealous men from attending discussion groups of women. Findings from the RRA are presented as well as an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the approach, including how far women were able to participate.
5. Harvesting local forestry knowledge: a comparison of RRA and conventional surveys
Andy Inglis
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Abstract
An RRA was conducted by a four person team in Freetown, Sierra Leone and surrounding villages. Previously a statistical survey had been conducted by a different group of researchers in the same area. As well as the main academic objective of comparing the results of an RRA with a statistical survey, the practical objective was to provide information for an FAO fuelwood project. The results of the study were presented in the form of flow diagrams representing the volume of fuelwood traded and the major participants. The RRA results are compared with the preliminary results of the statical survey (278 questions). There were many similar findings but also some important differences. It is concluded that RRA is a far more appropriate and accurate way to collect socio-ecological information for social forestry projects.
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Abstract
The author goes beyond the chapati diagram to suggest new ways of diagrammatically representing formal and informal social relationships.
7. Topical surveys as a tool for a more dynamic farmer-extension worker relationship
Antony van der Loo
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Abstract
This article describes the results of a workshop held in Mozambique in 1989. The main objective was to encourage extension personnel to integrate farmer reality into the extension programme. It concludes that it is not only necessary for scientists to conduct their research with the direct involvement of farmers, but also for extension personnel to participate directly in those research activities. Both processes can have a positive influence on a more dynamic farmer-extension worker relationship