RECL 3P25 Fall 2011 - Group 08 - Participatory Rural Appraisal:About

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	'''History of PRA'''		'''History of PRA'''
-	In the mid-1980s participatory rural appraisal was created. This approach was primarily used in countries such as South Asia and East Africa with non-governmental organizations.	+	Background
		+
		+	-There is not true standard outline for the PRA process because it is so broad and can target an entire community, stakeholders, or other small groups in a community. PRA is very much a technique for NGO's to implement over several months to help small communities review their socio-economic situation needs, action plan and an evaluation and reflection of the process.
		+
		+	- Originated in South East Asia and East Africa and involves research about participation that was developed in the 1940's.
		+
		+	-There are five traditional influences
		+
		+	--> activist participatory research
		+
		+	--> argo-ecosystem analysis
		+
		+	--> field research an farming
		+
		+	--> Applied anthropology
		+
		+	--> and Rapid Rural Appraisal
		+
		+	-Strongly liked to RRA but PRA focuses more on participation and involvement of community member. Instead of just gathering information PRA focuses of having communities implement what is identified in the evaluation process.
		+
		+	-The technique became established and recognized in the late 1980s
		+
		+	-The founder of this technique is Robbert Chambers
		+
		+	-Helps address lack of participation and communication in communities
		+
		+	-Identifies needs of the community members
		+
		+
		+
		+

---

Revision as of 11:12, 25 November 2011

Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA):

Is a technique used for gathering information on community resources and needs for use in literacy and community development programs.

Participatory Rural Appraisal has several uses and can be applied in several forms. Most commonly it is used by NGOs in rural areas of developing countries where there are language barriers, such as English not being the native language reducing the effectiveness and ease of verbal communication between facilitators and community members. Other barriers that this technique addresses are low literacy levels amongst participants, because it incorporates the use of visual aids and communication through actions to involve participants and share information rather than using written exercises.

Application and Key Concepts of PRA:

It is a method of gathering data about community needs. IT is a method of inclusion through getting input and using the knowledge and skills of all community members. A method of using no verbal communication methods to determine needs and wants of the community members. A method of creating localization by using by using local resources, materials and people to help work towards community development. It is a method of influencing empowerment by encouraging participation and the self sustainability of community development through the active participation and facilitation by community members themselves. Giving citizens the means to take control and ownership for themselves.

Techniques of the PRA Process:

Group Dynamics, eg. learning contracts, role reversals, feedback sessions.

Sampling, eg. transect walks, wealth ranking, social mapping.

Interviewing, eg. focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, triangulation.

Visualization, eg. venn diagrams, matrix socring, timelines.

Steps for Implementing PRA:

Step 1: PRA facilitator coordinates meeting.

Step 2: Have a central meeting location and time that everyone in the community is aware of.

Step 3: Have resources available for communication (writing utensils, pictures, diagrams, paper, etc)

Step 4: PRA facilitator guide community meeting to ensure proper use of the technique.

Step 5: Review the collaborated resources.

Technique Strengths:

-Multi-purpose technique that can be implemented in different scenerios.

-Addresses the needs of all individuals within the community despite barriers.

-Uses ideas and knowledge of individuals within the community.

-Empowers individuals to take on community stewardship.

Technique Weaknesses:

-Broad technique

-Requires cooperation from all members within the community.

-Generally not used in developed countries.

-Hard concept to grasp.

-No formal follow up method.

Tips for Successful Implementation:

-Use of Diagrams.

-Use of Translator.

-Gather input from ALL community members.

-Have tools (diagrams, drawing utensils) prepared upon implementation.

-Take time to evaluate and observe the community before implementing the technique.

History of PRA

Background

-There is not true standard outline for the PRA process because it is so broad and can target an entire community, stakeholders, or other small groups in a community. PRA is very much a technique for NGO's to implement over several months to help small communities review their socio-economic situation needs, action plan and an evaluation and reflection of the process.

- Originated in South East Asia and East Africa and involves research about participation that was developed in the 1940's.

-There are five traditional influences

--> activist participatory research

--> argo-ecosystem analysis

--> field research an farming

--> Applied anthropology

--> and Rapid Rural Appraisal

-Strongly liked to RRA but PRA focuses more on participation and involvement of community member. Instead of just gathering information PRA focuses of having communities implement what is identified in the evaluation process.

-The technique became established and recognized in the late 1980s

-The founder of this technique is Robbert Chambers

-Helps address lack of participation and communication in communities

-Identifies needs of the community members