Resources

The lasting elements of PRA port profiles in Conakry, Guinea : lessons for sustainability.

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Authors: 
Johnson, Jan Peter
Camara, Seny
1997

Abstract

In 1991 the Guinean Fisheries department and staff based at Conakry of an FAO regional artisanal fisheries project carried out 'PRA port profiles' or participatory analyses with user groups of landing site problems and opportunities. Twelve of the landing sites involved in these PRA activities formed Land Site Development Committees which received support from FAO and became involved in activities to solve some of the problems identified, such as construction of breakwaters to protect anchored canoes. Funding terminated in 1995 and this article examines the situation in 1997 when only two of these LSDC's continue to be active. Elements contributing to the continuation of these compared with those which ceased to function are discussed. Key elements of sustainability identified include, the importance of strong support from local elected officials, the need for legal status for LSDC's and the provision of regular follow-up by PRA trained field officers, reporting to a co-ordinating committee. it was also considered important that LSDC's should have assistance with small project proposal planning and writing and provision of technical support for activities involving physical port infrastructure.

Participatory group planning of a fish preservation project.

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Authors: 
Nkwentie, Nembo
1997

Abstract

Describes how PRA was used with a self-help fund, comprising of fishers, fish smokers and fish traders, to identify and analyse problems. Those problems common to all groups were identified with the use of venn diagrams, one of which was preserving the catch and maintaining its quality throughout each stage of the trade. As an outcome of the exerciese a Fish Preservation and Marketing Cooperative comprising the fishers, fish smokers and bulk buyers was formed and with self-funded contributions purchased an outboard engine .

Growing from the grassroots : building participatory planning, monitoring and evaluation methods in PARC.

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Authors: 
Symes, Janet
Jasser, Sa'ed
1998

Abstract

This article describes the way in which the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committees (PARC) have introduced a participatory monitoring and evaluation process into their work that is closely linked to planning. Not only were a wide scope of participatory methods found to be necessary but also an organisational commitment to 'participation' and the creation of a framework to encourage it.

Participatory education and grassroots development : the case of rural Appalachia

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Authors: 
Gaventa, John
Lewis, Helen
1991

Abstract

This volume of the Gatekeeper series from the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) looks at the economic education efforts of Highlander Research and Education Centre (Tennessee, USA) in Appalachia and its role in promoting community development. It gives a background to social problems in Appalachia and describes the Highlander project. The project concentrated on three rural communities (Dungannon, Virginia; Jelico, Tennessee; and Ivanhoe, Virginia) and was oriented towards helping communities gain knowledge necessary for local development. Community groups were offered technical and educational support for grassroots economic leadership development through a participatory process where the community could assess their own situation, and define and implement strategies for themselves. Part of the participatory methodology were oral history, community surveys, community mapping and drawings, decision-maker interviews, videos and readings, brainstorming and feasibility studies, and cultural components. Finally the outcomes of the project are examined.

Publisher

Priority setting in agriculture research: a brief conceptual background.

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Authors: 
Manicad, Gigi
1997

Abstract

National and International research institutes and NGOs have a growing interest in structured and more transparent methods of priority setting. Aside from selecting and applying appropriate methods, they have to ensure that various stakeholders are well represented. This is crucial for the results and implementation of identified priorities. (Biotechnology and Development Monitor)

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