Resources

Handbook on community-led total sanitation

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Authors: 
Kamal Kar
Robert Chambers
2008

Abstract

The basic principle of Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) is the empowerment of local communities to do their own analysis and take their own action to become open defecation free.

This handbook has been compiled as a source of ideas and experiences that can be used for CLTS orientation workshops, advocacy to stakeholders, training facilitators and natural leaders and implementing CLTS activities. It is a resource book especially for field staff, facilitators and trainers for planning, implementation and follow-up for CLTS.

Users of this handbook must feel free to use its guidelines in the way they find best. The methods described are not the only ones for implementing CLTS. Users are encouraged to explore different ways of preparing for CLTS, for triggering, for post-triggering follow-up, and for supporting and spreading CLTS that fit with local conditions, cultures and opportunities.

Facilitators must feel free to be inventive and adaptive, and to use their best judgment in deciding what to do. The ideas and advice that follow have been tried and tested, but it is for facilitators themselves to decide what works for them.

Publisher

Introduction to PRA and Health: A Reader

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2000

Abstract

Condensed version of the IDS Topic Pack "Using Participatory Approaches in Health", containing a selection of readings on participatory methods and methodologies, abstracts of related readings, and information on other resources.

Participatory Action Research in Health Systems: a methods reader

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Authors: 
Rene Loewenson et al
2014

Abstract

This reader aims to inform, motivate and strengthen the practice of participatory action research. In the 21st century there is a growing demand to channel collective energy towards justice and equity in health, and to better understand the social processes that influence health and health systems. Communities, frontline health workers and other grass-roots actors play a key role in responding to this demand, in raising critical questions, building new knowledge and provoking and carrying out action to transform health systems and improve health.  This reader promotes understanding of the term ‘participatory action research’ (PAR) and provides information on its paradigms, methods, application and use, particularly in health policy and systems.  It seeks to explain:

 

• key features of participatory action research and the history and knowledge paradigms that inform it;

• processes and methods used in participatory action research, including innovations and developments in the field and the ethical and methods issues in implementing it; and

• communication, reporting, institutionalization and use of participatory action research in health systems.

 

As a tool to support understanding and learning, the reader uses explanatory text backed by references and resources. It includes examples of participatory action research across high, medium and low income settings and across all regions globally. It provides a selection of readings on the subject (in Part five).

The SAGE Handbook of Action Research

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Authors: 
Bradbury
H.
2015

Abstract

This third edition of the The Sage Handbook of Action Research presents an updated version with new chapters covering emerging areas in healthcare, social work, education and international development, as well as an expanded ‘Skills’ section which includes new consultant-relevant materials. Building on the previous editions, Hilary Bradbury has carefully developed this edition to ensure it follows in their footsteps by mapping the current state of the discipline, as well as looking to the future of the field and exploring the issues at the cutting edge of the action research paradigm today.