Participatory Learning and Action 17:
RRA Notes 17: General IssueIIED, March 1993. 74 pp.
Out of print except as part of a complete set of back issues:
Summary
This general issue of RRA Notes covers a number of methodologies and topics in a variety of regions, as listed below.
Editorial
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2. Helicopters at Nhlangwini
Raymond Auerbach
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Abstract
This article discusses the outcomes of three workshops held in the Nhlangwini Ward, in southern KwaZulu/Natal, South Africa, during 1989. It describes in some detail a visual technique used during the third workshop. Participants were asked to draw local resources by imagining they could view the area from a helicopter. The process of adopting visual techniques has resulted in a change in emphasis - as a result of the findings, the integrated development programme has switched approaches with regard to issues facing women, and in terms of its goal setting mechanisms.
3. Resource flow – Venn diagrams: a two-in-one approach
Rama Gounder, K. Natarajamoorthy, C. Chinnusamy, P. Nasuredeen, R. Ganesan, N. Shanmugavalli, V. A. Sakunthala and J. Rao
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Abstract
This brief note describes a methodological innovation by Rama Gounder, a farmer from Tamil Nadu, which helped researchers learn about farmers' decision-making processes. At a workshop at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Rama Gounder used a wide array of symbols to describe his resources, flows and transformations in different plots, resource allocation decisions and institutions that influence his decisions. The paper concludes that farmers can play an important role in methodology development, provided that the professionals are willing to listen to them.
4. Measuring agroecosystems properties: adaptation of the matrix scoring technique
M. Shanmugam, A. Palchamy, S. Jeeva, A. Kumar, K.C. John and Mr. and Mrs. Marappan
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Abstract
This note is based on the adaptation of matrix scoring in order to investigate local perceptions of agroecosystem properties. The experiences with Mrs. and Mr. Marappan are described by researchers from a range of universities in Tamil Nadu. They used a variation of matrix scoring to discuss the preferred tree-crop species combinations, inter-year and inter-plot comparisons, and even made a comparison of relatively well-endowed and poorer farmers. This led to a sustainability analysis of the Marappans' very diverse farm, which had enabled them to withstand many ecological changes.
5. Sorting fact from opinion: the use of a direct matrix to evaluate finger millet varieties
Michael Drinkwater
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Abstract
This article reports on the effectiveness of using a matrix to evaluate finger millet varieties. From the discussion with farmers at a workshop in Zambia in 1991, it became clear that farmers used a range of largely untested, different criteria to judge the value of different millet varieties, and had specific notions of what was considered as acceptable 'evidence' of the qualities of different varieties.
6. Ranking in the planning of an emergency programme in Angola
Marie-Noelle Vieu
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Abstract
As part of the UNICEF relief programme to Angola, a technical team carried out a ranking exercise upon which this paper reports. Ranking is defined here as a process of priority ordering, in this case administrative areas in relation to the need for assistance. It used the knowledge that informants possessed from the country, at a national level, as well as from the provinces. No quantitative data were used. The ranking technique was expected to provide a rational framework to deal with time and resource constraints. The paper concludes that ranking was useful with regards to outlining the humanitarian issues in Angola; however, its efficiency depends very much on the choice of information source.
7. The role of focus group interviews in assessing the primary health care and family planning programme in India
Abusaleh Shariff and Pravin Visaria
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Abstract
This paper describes the key features of focus-group interviews, based on experience with the qualitative assessment of the primary health care and family planning services in Gujarat. The focus group interview is a method of data collection used in marketing research, and offers the advantages of sampling, coverage and geographic spread on the one hand, and in-depth and anthropological type of investigation on the other.
8. Comparison of RRA and intensive residential study: the case of Marit, Plateau State, Nigeria
RRA Workshop Participants (Marit Team) and Newcastle University Expedition
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Abstract
This article provides a comparison between the results of a long-term study and a short study using a participatory approach. It emphasises the need for greater representation of the views of women; the requirement of good relationships so as to access critical information, especially in RRA; and the specific attention that needs to be given to cultural differences present both in terms of the researchers and the appraised.
9. Women's PRA in Hindupur
Eva Robinson
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Abstract
This article provides a brief account of an all-women PRA organised by HIDA/MYRADA and highlights the ways in which a PRA for and with women is different from experiences in which men are present.
10. Examples of PRA in wetland development in Guinea Bissau
Koos Neefjes
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Abstract
This case study discusses how mapping and ranking were used in the rice polders in Guinea Bissau. Mapping proved effective to encourage discussion on land rights and on possible management improvements in the complex system of rice cultivation. Pair-wise ranking was helpful to identify the extent to which 'weeds' are considered damaging or not.
11. Rapid appraisal of organisational cultures: a challenge for field work
Uwe Kievelitz and Rolf-Dieter Reineke
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Abstract
This article discusses how PRA can be used to understand organisational cultures. With triangulation, observation, interviews and, possibly, questionnaires, the authors describe how organisations can be studied much as cultural anthropologists study other cultures.
12. Methodological innovations in Burkina Faso with village network mapping
Irene Guijt
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Abstract
This brief note describes certain methodological innovations from Burkina Faso using village network diagramming to understand the extent and nature of contact between villages. This proved particularly helpful in appreciating the degree of dialogue that is necessary in one village to ensure the successful management of a closure area. It also led to an assessment of the quality of contacts with other villages.
13. Tips for Trainers: the Margolis Wheel
Alan Margoli
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