Participatory Learning and Action 30:
PLA Notes 30: Participation and Fishing Communities
IIED, October 1997, 92 pp.
Price: US$25.00
Guest Editor: Marie-Thérèse Sarch
Ordering Information
Summary
The special theme section in this issue of PLA Notes explores the use of participatory approaches with fishing communities. It examines how participatory approaches can be used to tackle the challenges of small-scale fisheries development, and covers fisheries development efforts aimed at a spectrum of objectives ranging from co-management for sustainable fish stocks to improving the welfare of fishing communities. The authors show how participatory approaches have been used to understand the resource, manage fisheries and plan for development.
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1. Assessing pollution from tannery effluents in a South Indian village
K. Anbalagan, G. Karthikeyan and N. Narayanasamy
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Abstract
This paper describes how the combination of scientific soil and water analyses in the laboratory and PRA exercises at the community level was found to be complementary methods in assessing the magnitude of the pollution problem caused by the tannery industry in Kamatchipuram village, Tamil Nadu.
2. Participatory action research for a small industries promotion programme
Torsten Striepke
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Abstract
This article is an account of the Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation's (SDC) Small Industries Promotion Programme in Nepal. Small Business Membership Organizations (SBMOs) and their role in service delivery to member entrepreneurs is analysed. The need for research and action at macro, meso and micro levels is identified although the target beneficiaries exist at the meso level.
3. Participatory concept mapping to understand perceptions of urban malnutrition Dan Maxwell, Margaret Armar-Klemesu, Lucy Brakohiapa and James Annorbah-Sarpeil
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Abstract
A summary of participatory mapping carried out in Accra. Working with women the study aimed to understand local perceptions of malnutrition and its links with their living conditions. The conceptual maps elicited contrasted with the formal framework for malnutrition which UNICEF has formulated.
4. Visualisation as a platform for entry into dialogue with farmers
Ueli Scheuermeier and Elias T. Ayuk
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A reflection on the use of symbolic system-presentation as a technique for eliciting information about local farming practice. Criticisms are made concerning the origin of symbol design and the difficulties of conceptualising change. Recommendations for replication are suggested.
5. Using participatory appraisal methods to review a sanitation and hygiene programme in Southern Niger
Christine van Wijk
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Abstract
A report on a 16 day participatory exercise to assess a project attempting to improve water storage and sanitation in 19 villages. The exercise was deemed a success despite its brevity. The exercise resulted in learning for both villagers and professionals - a condition for the effectiveness for this was group formation with a specific focus on gender.
SPECIAL ISSUE:
Participation and fishing communities
6. Addressing the challenges of fisheries development
Marie-Thérèse Sarch
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A review of the articles in this issue. A brief history of policy as regards fisheries development with an emphasis on the growing concern for social issues and community management. The nature of fish as a difficult resource to monitor is highlighted.
7. Mapping change in time and space: floodplain fishing communities in Nigeria
David Thomas and Mamuda Musa Danjaji
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This paper describes an extensive inter-village survey method used to explore environment-development relationships on a large scale. RRA methods traditionally are not seen to extend beyond the village, however this report demonstrates the effectiveness of such methods in considering changes over time to the environment and economies of fishing and farming communities as a result of a dam project in northern Nigeria.
8. Participatory methods for community-based coastal resource management
Gregory C. Ira
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A report on PRA as it relates to community-based coastal resource management (CBCRM). A 'write-shop' held at the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction concluded that PRA as a methodology had been applied less frequently to CBCRM than projects in terrestial areas. Reasons for this are considered.
9. Customary marine tenure in the South Pacific: the uses and challenges of mapping
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Philip Townsley, James Anderson and Chris Mees
Abstract
A reflection on participatory research concerning resource management in Melanesia. The authors highlight the need for acknowledgement of the dangers of PRA. Some problems considered are: the imposition of outsiders' concepts (e.g. of ownership) and the intervention in local people's realities. Local decision-making may become oriented towards the outsiders' perceived goals rather than the real needs of the local people.
10. Investigating systems of fisheries' access along the River Benue in Nigeria
Marie-Thérèse Sarch, S.P.Madakan and B.L. Ladu
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Participatory techniques are described as they were used in the research of fishing rights and property ownership in North East Nigeria. Consultation of different groups proved essential as did diplomacy in dealing with village elders. Drawing of charts was facilitated for the analysis of conflict over resources. Problems of triangulation are considered.
11. Local voices to the surface Andy Inglis, Hugh Govan and Susan Guy
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Abstract
The Solway Firth Partnership, acting as a forum for the inclusion of wide ranging stakeholders in the management of Solway Firth, made use of participatory exercises including 'locality mapping' to ensure that all voices were heard equally in consultation. These exercises are described and analysed.
12. Participatory student research increases awareness of sustainable fisheries management
Ian G. Baird, Phongsavaht Kisouvannalat, Visay Inthaphaysi and Bounpheng Phvlaivanh
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Abstract
This is a report on the use of essay writing at secondary school level to raise awareness of issues connected with conservation of aquatic resources. It was found that this exercise initiated critical discussion amongst students, teachers and parents.
13. Getting fisherfolk off the hook: an exploratory PRA in Southern India
R. Ramesh, N. Narayanasamy and M. P. Boraian
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Abstract
PRA is used to understand how the fishing industry affects various stakeholders in one community of coastal southern India. A trade inventory was made and then ranked according to risk vis-a-vis the workers. Recommendations for reducing these risks are made.
14. Participatory group planning for a fish preservation project
Nembo Nkwentie
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This article is a report on the way participatory techniques were used to identify common problems amongst fishers, fish smokers and bulk buyers in the fishing industry of a village near Douala, Cameroon. As a result of these exercises a cooperative was formed and with the assistance of a local NGO funding was accessed for the further development of this institution.
15. From invisible work to collective action: research and participation with women from the fishing communities of the Amazonian Coast
Maria-Luzia Alvares and Maria-Cristina Maneschy
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Abstract
The article reflects on attempts to facilitate the formation of a women's association. It is concerned with the empowerment of women to change their relations with men through critical analysis of their own roles in this fishing community.
16. Participatory and integrated policy processes in small-scale fisheries Jock Campbell and Philip Townsley
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Abstract
This article looks at the advantages of the Participatory and Integrated Policy (PIP) process. The need for inter-sectoral integration is looked at - especially as concerns private sector development, poverty alleviation and environmental degradation. The PIP process is seen to draw PRA further into the policy making process thereby improving its suitability for particular fishing communities.
17. The lasting elements of PRA port profiles in Conakry, Guinea: lessons for sustainability
Jan Peter Johnson and Seny Camara
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Abstract
This paper is concerned with the sustainability of development committees formed after a PRA exercise with fisherfolk in 1991. Stakeholders, legislative frameworks and the need for continued PRA exercises are all considered as factors contributing to the sustainability of these committees.
Developing participation
Anil C. Shah with a response from Kudakwashe Murwira
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Abstract
A general review of PLA is presented and the need for sensitivity to local conditions is highlighted. Over-generalisation of the PLA tool in different contexts is a merely a reversion to RRA. The need for flexibility as regards systems, procedures and time bound targets is considered. Murwira also suggests there is a need for flexibility as concerns development agencies' roles.
19. Extracts:
Getting your head above the water
S. T. S. Lepcha and K. J. Virgo
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20. A brief guide to using exercises and games to enhance group dynamics
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The buses game
Barbara Kaim
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