Participatory Learning and Action 28:
PLA Notes 28: Methodological ComplementarityIIED, February 1997. 97 pp.
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Summary
A better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of PRA is encouraging much-needed discussions about the need to broaden it by borrowing valuable principles and methods from other approaches. This has encouraged practitioners to develop purpose-specific combinations and sequences of methods and methodologies.
The theme section of this issue of PLA Notes explores what is driving the creative combination of methodologies and discusses why complementarity seems to be both essential and effective for research and development practice. However it also highlights areas where compromise is likely.
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1. A 'proper household': exploring household and community dynamics in South Africa
Edward D. Breslin and Peter Delius
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Abstract
Operation Hunger, a South African NGO conducted a poverty assessment through 'proper household' sessions. This is an exercise in which participants define the 'ideal' household. In doing so inter- and intra-household relationships are analysed. It is argued these sessions offer a sound starting point for further analysis of a community's developmental challenges.
2. Towards a meaningful evaluation for project staff and villagers
Seerp Wigboldus and Steve Knisely
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Abstract
A discussion of the benefits of self-evaluation and participatory evaluation. The former is seen to increase project ownership for the community and the latter for project staff. The process used by the Nepal Resource Management Project is outlined.
3. Process documentation research
Amitah Shah
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Abstract
A critical assessment of Process Documentation Research (PDR) as applied to an Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) project. PDR techniques are used to assess project interface with community participants. Questions concerning the objectivity of PDR and its potential for dynamic project impact are considered.
4. Participatory farmer selection for green manure
Alsen Oduwo
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A critical assessment of the use of PRA techniques in agricultural extension. Trial farmer selection by the community is also documented and a gender bias is noted. Potential strategies for overcoming this bias and the reasons behind community selection of farmers are discussed.
5. Folklore and conservation in Nigeria: using PRA to learn from the elders
Ichire Ojating
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Abstract
Students of the Federal University of Agriculture, in Nigeria use PRA techniques to access knowledge from village elders to understand the traditional practices of community resource management. Folklore is analysed as having a relation to this management in the form of taboos. The need for the use of indigenous knowledge as opposed to failed government systems of management is highlighted.
6. Pair wise ranking made easy
Tim Russell
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Abstract
The problems associated with pair wise ranking are assessed and an alternative model using simple tools suggested.
SPECIAL ISSUE:
Methodological Complementarity
7.Creativity and compromise
Jo Abbot and Irene Gujit
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Abstract
An overview of the methodological changes that can be observed in the evolution of PRA techniques. Specific contexts for PRA activity have led to particular adaptations of PRA tools. Problems relating to the specificity of results and difficulties of scaling up techniques are highlighted. On the other hand, the danger of PRA techniques being used for the extraction of information and not for the facilitation of popular participation is identified.
8. Combining rapid appraisal with quantitative methods: an example from Mauritania
Robert Davis
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Abstract
This article demonstrates how rapid appraisal and more traditional survey methods can be used together. This combined research can incorporate individual lives into the group focus of RRA. Survey results can also be used to scale up for comparison with other groups in a wider scope.
9. The use of complementary methods to understand the dimensions of soil fertility in the hills of Nepal
Cate Turton, Ashok Vaidya, Junoo Tuladhar and Krishna Joshi
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Abstract
The use of PRA methods in conjunction with conventional survey tools by the Lumle Agricultural Research Centre is seen to be useful for comparing different aspects of soil fertility between villages. PRA tools were found to provide useful qualititative and quantitative data.
10. Shotgun wedding or happy marriage? Integrating PRA and sample surveys in Malawi
Martin Leach and Johns Kamangira
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Abstract
The combination of PRA techniques and surveys was found to be time consuming for monitoring and evaluation of this agriculturally based project. However the mixed methodology meant beneficiary assessment could be combined with more formal qualitative data for other stakeholders. The process was not seen to be empowering but certainly participatory.
11. PRA and its complementarities with household surveys and ‘Como es la vida en El Tamarindo’
Sarah Gammage
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Abstract
PRA techniques and surveys were used to gain deep insight into the activities and problems of a community with a mangrove system in El Salvador. The methods were found to be complementary. PRA sessions also motivated community discussion which accumulated with a plan for a community report to be used by both outsiders and the local village school as an educational tool.
12. Ethnography and rapid appraisal in doctoral research on poverty
Rosemary McGee
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Abstract
A discussion of the problems associated with doctoral fieldwork on poverty and anti-poverty policy which combines ethnographic, Rapid Appraisal (RA) and other techniques. The ethical tension between extractive ethnographic research and participatory development is highlighted. Although ethnographic research is time consuming, the author concludes that it can be highly beneficial for RA practitioners.
13. Discrepancies in understanding historical land use changes in Uganda
Kim Lindblade
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Abstract
The article outlines some of the findings of a research project concerned with land use and soil conservation in Uganda. PRA results concluded that fallow land had decreased over a fifty year period. Land surveys showed that fallow land had in fact increased. The need for the triangulation of PRA results is demonstrated. Local definitions of 'fallow' land and the role of propaganda concerned with soil conservation are identified as possible reasons for the inaccuracy of the PRA.
14. Limits and strengths of local participation: a case study in Eastern Amazonia
Patricia Shanley, Jurandir Galvão and Leda Luz
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Abstract
The complementarity of PRA and quantitative surveys of forest fauna and flora is recognised. The tension between the demands of a scientific development community and the needs of local village communities is felt. The unquantifiable gains resultant from participatory development, in the form of increased opportunities for women and an increased ability of the community to negotiate with outsiders, are felt to be significant and in need of recognition.
15. Methodological proposal for farmer-scientist land use planning
L. Tzinnia Carranza
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Abstract
Sustainable management of natural resources is seen to have a basis in local management of these resources. Indigenous knowledge must be combined with technical skills for effective and sustainable land use. Scientists should work alongside local populations to achieve plans for such management systems.
16.Two cheers for RRA
Martin Whiteside
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Abstract
This article challenges the current orthodoxy that PRA is always "best" and that more participation is always "better". Instead, it shows that in some contexts RRA may be more suitable than PRA, and that each method is appropriate to different circumstances, along with many variants that combine elements of both.
17.Participatory research and ecological economics for iodiversity conservation in Vanuatu
Luca Tacconi
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Abstract
A combination of RRA tools, participatory decision-making processes and ecological economics was used to conduct research on local forestry use and willingness to conserve resources on two islands of Vanuatu. Participatory methodologies were found useful in linking the local to the national, the micro to the macro. As a result legislation was generated that was consistent with local institutions.
18. Mixing and matching methodologies in Redd Barna, Uganda
Joanita Sewagudde, Geoffrey Mugisha, Richard Ochen and Grace Mukasa
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Abstract
PRA needs to be combined with other methodologies to fulfill its potential. Redd Barna Uganda is a child-centred NGO working through partner organisations. Combining PRA with basic communication skills training, conflict resolution training, mediated learning experience training and child-to-child training, practitioners can improve participatory processes. Using a logical framework approach with participants can help formulate community action plans after the initial stages of PRA.
19. Participatory pest analysis
James Mangan
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Abstract
This article desrcribes how the Food and Agriculture Organisation Inter-Country Programme for Integrated Pest Management in Rice in South and Southeast Asia combined the principles of agroecosystem analysis with transects, ecosystem drawing, and group analysis, to enable farmers to make on-field decisions about applying pesticides. This integrated approach has increased farmers capacity to minimise inputs of harmful pesticides into the environment and food sources.
20. Feedback:
Towards full participation in development
Kumaraswamynadar T. Arasu, with a response from Neela Mukhrjee
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Abstract
This article identifies some of the problems with PRA methodologies. Agendas are often predetermined by implementing agencies, and participants may frame their responses to fit this agenda. It is difficult to synthesise local peoples' and facilitators' formulation of goals, purposes, activities and indicators. Facilitators normally determine the tools for PRA. Scheduling of exercises necessarily marginalises some groups.
Props used in research
V. A. Bourai, S. R. Bahadur, K. M. Panwar and K. M. Mishra
Looking beyond: PRA or PRI?
John Wilson
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22. A brief guide to training methods and approaches
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Card sorting on the ground
Robert Chambers
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