Participatory Learning and Action 6:
Issue 6 Contents 1. Rapid assessment of artisanal systems: a case study of rural carpentry enterprises in Zimbabwe 2. The rural rides of William Cobbett: RRA and sustainable agriculture in 1820s 3. A note on the use of aerial photographs for land use planning on a settlement site in Ethiopia 4. Using Rapid Rural Appraisal for project identification: report on a training exercise in Jama'are local government area, Bauchi State, Northern Nigeria 5. Visualising group discussions with Impromptu cartoons 6. The use of community theatre in project evaluation: an experiment from Zimbabwe
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RRA Notes 6: General Issue
IIED, June 1989. 37 pp.
Out of print except as part of a complete set of back issues:
1. Rapid assessment of artisanal systems: a case study of rural carpentry enterprises in Zimbabwe
Godfrey Cromwell
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Abstract
Reports on an investigation in the operating environments of rural carpenters in Zimbabwe and the potential for similar projects there. RRA methods were adapted for use in the appraisal of artisanal activities. It concludes by arguing that methods for analysis of rural productive activities other than agriculture are required.
2. The rural rides of William Cobbett: RRA and sustainable agriculture in 1820s
Jules Pretty
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Abstract
Far from being a new approach, RRA can be seen at work in 19th century England. During the last century, William Cobbett, journalist, politician and farmer, set out on a series of 'rural rides' across the counties of southern England, in order to find out the real state of the countryside. His objective was to write articles based on his findings in order to further the cause of political and financial reform. The paper reports on some of his findings, highlighting the political issues of the day that Cobbett drew attention to.
3. A note on the use of aerial photographs for land use planning on a settlement site in Ethiopia
Dick Sandford
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Abstract
Aerial photographs were used as a communication tool to discuss land use with farmers in Ethiopia. The farmers had no problems interpreting the photographs and could even 'take one to any spot on their land shown to them on the mosaic'. Each village used the photographs to present their proposals for land use allocation. The author concludes that whilst aerial photography helps technical staff to visualise development options, its main function for the farmers was not as a planning tool (they already know their land well) but to help illustrate and demonstrate their ideas to others.
4.Using Rapid Rural Appraisal for project identification: report on a training exercise in Jama'are local government area, Bauchi State, Northern Nigeria
Michael Hubbard, Robert Leurs and Andrew Nickson
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Abstract
A training course in RRA techniques was held for heads of local government departments of several states in Northern Nigeria. The report does not describe the training sessions, but evaluates how various RRA techniques were carried out in the village context. Many of the problems identified relate to the idea of government officials using RRA : they were viewed with suspicion by the villagers (as tax collectors), and had a different perspective from NGO workers (one official asked, "Why are we trying to identify the poorest?") The report includes the visual results of activities and suggests how the training could link to project identification in local government.
5. Visualising group discussions with Impromptu cartoons
Ueli Scheuermeier
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Abstract
Cartoons were used to overcome language problems during a ranking exercise of farmers' perceptions as part of an appraisal of a poultry-sector project in Chad.
6. The use of community theatre in project evaluation: an experiment from Zimbabwe
Andrea Cornwall, Mathou Chakavanda, Simbisai Makumbirofa, Guilter Shumba and Abraham Mawere
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Abstract
Reports on a community woodland resource management project run by ENDA (Environment and Development Activities), Zimbabwe. The outcome of the workshops was a piece of community theatre portraying conflicts over communal resources in a form that the representatives of the community taking part felt could help promote awareness and concern. Through dramatisation of their own concern, the participants may have identified more closely with the issues raised and experienced enhanced motivation to tackle and resolve these problems.