Resources

Progeny histories are essentially livestock histories which describe the fate of all the offspring of a given female animal. They can be used to collect information on a large number of animals in a short period of time. This article describes how the progeny history technique was used, in conjunction with a variety of other data collection methods, in Samburu District, Kenya. The study set out to assess the nature of animal health problems, as well as existing levels of veterinary knowledge among pastoralists, and availability of existing animal health services. It was found to be a useful method for collecting accurate information in a culturally-sensitive way, and complemented other data collection techniques.

This film was made during a PRA training workshop in Zambia organised by the NGO World Vision. The first few days were classroom based, followed by a week in the field. The workshop concluded with a two-day session in which participants shared their experiences and the lessons they had learned. The DVD mixes shots of classroom training and field experiences with reflections from participants. The importance of attitudes and behaviour is emphasised throughout. Trainees came to realise the extent of villagersÆ knowledge and their own limitations.

The study examines the Farmer Participatory Research approach to technology generation for resource poor farmers, and how it compares to other approaches to agricultural technology generation. The Farmers Innovation and Technology Testing [FITT] is a farmer participatory evaluation method. Through FITT the Gambian Department of Agricultural Research has attempted to establish a 'technology link' with farmers groups that have been 'set-up' by NGOs. The core of this study is an evaluation of the FITT programme using PRAs in two villages. Although the report is perhaps too large for mailing as a whole, it does contain some extensive discussion of these 'PRA based evaluations': Chapter 4 covers the PRA methods employed, which included wealth ranking exercises, preference ranking of crops and the drawing of seasonal calendars. Chapter 7 provides some useful discussion concerning some of the limitations and problems encountered in this PRA exercise. Finally the appendices include some detailed description of the PRA exercises mentioned above.

A Kenyan Ministry of Agriculture team used PRA to assess the impact of its Catchment Approach in six catchments, focusing on community level changes. This impact analysis linked differences in the implementation process with differences in results. It was clear that increased levels of community mobilization and involvement led to greater, quicker and replicating changes. One page summaries for each catchment include: process of implementation; changes in productivity; changes in resource degradation; changes in local resilience and vulnerability; changes in self-dependence of local groups; replication; and operational procedures. Two further impact studies are planned; the full report should be finished in November 1994.

A district-based framework for health promotion and health care provision is advocated in this video produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It promotes a participatory and community-led approach which is responsive to the needs and demands of the community. The video focuses on examples of District health provision in three different regions: promoting health care among at risk groups such as the unemployed in the UK; mother and child health in Indonesia; and child immunisation in Zimbabwe.

This is a brief summary of the well-known Projet Agro-Forestier (PAF) in Burkina Faso, which has had much success promoting rock bunds as a soil and water conservation and harvesting method. One reason for success is considered to be the strong involvement of farmers in the design and building of the bunds, which are basically an improvement of a traditional technique. Another factor is the strength of the bunds. The fact that a few women have also been trained is mentioned, but also that more attention should be given to them considering their important role in agriculture.