accurately
It can be used to collect data in many types of
Types of PRA
Exploratory: PRA tools and techniques are used to
Topical: Application of PRA to specific area of concern (e.g. soil fertility, water, specific disease, diet, income etc) Problem solving: Diagnosis of problems and
Assumptions of PRA
Community development issues of all types are a common
concern to all in the group. Solutions to these issues require the active and responsible involvement of the entire community
Collective action is possible only when all stakeholders of
Participation
Spectrum of weak to strong participation
2.
3. 4. 5.
6. 7.
Data & results is owned by the local people, not the researchers PRA is informal, interactive and fun!
Steps in PRA
1.
2.
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
2.
3.
4.
Semi-structured interviews
solutions; criteria scoring to define why people choose one item from the other
Proportional Piling helps to obtain data from respondents in percentages. It shows relative values of items to be compared. Useful for when no exact data exists and relative values must be used
Semi-structured interviews
Major topics and a few key questions are formulated
Strengths of PRA
Local people do the analysis and plan for the future using their own
Weaknesses of PRA
Working in situations in which the problem is not usefully
addressed at the local or group level e.g. broader structural problems at national level
PRA can be done badly. This happens where: PRA is implemented mechanically; going through the motions without really listening to the participants; Technical issues are prioritised over socio-cultural issues Local diversity is ignored, minority voices not heard PRA is conducted, but results are not used in the follow-up it becomes tokenistic consultation.