PRA training in a UK-based rural development course

RRA techniques are taught as part of the three month course on "Rural Research and Rural Policy" at the Institute of Development Studies, UK. This article describes two exercises that were introduced to provide practical "field" experience: an RRA of IDS and a visit to a local farm. Most of the course participants were from 'Southern' countries and the "individual exercises were conducted almost exactly as they would be in a Third World village". The differences between conducting the farm study in 'Northern' and 'Southern' countries are briefly mentioned - including the fee paid to the "Northern" farmer!