Resources

This is a write up of a situational analysis using participatory rural appraisal methods, carried out in Kistagiri village, Andhra Pradesh, India. The objective of the analysis was to gain an understanding of the decision-making process of farmers in the matter of fodder selection for large cattle. It consisted of three stages: (1) farmers were asked to indicate the fodder they used; (2) fodder was presented in pairs, and farmers asked to select the better; and (3) a list drawn-up of various fodder characteristics and qualities, which were then matched against the various fodder under analysis. Finally, conclusions are drawn from the process.

The appendix to this report gives "a brief introduction to the methods of data and information collection that are appropriate to both preparation and evaluation of smallholder projects". The concepts and approach of RRA is briefly described as one of the methods. Numbered steps give useful tips for preparation of research under headings transport, accommodation, timing, interpreter.

Developed from an "experiential learning exercise" in Agro-ecosystem mapping held at Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, this book could form the basis for a training programme on the following mapping methods : map of typography & hydrology, map of enterprises, map of social groups and transect of agro-ecological zones. Section A describes the training programme with the emphasis on field exercises covering the above methods. Case-studies based on the findings and templates (suitable for xeroxing for overhead projection) summarising training objectives and activities, are given in separate sections. The appendices contain articles for background reading.

This paper examines the application of Rapid Rural Appraisal techniques to assess the causes, dimensions and characteristics of food insecurity. A procedure referred to as a Rapid Food Security Assessment (RFSA) was carried out during November 1989 in nine communities in North Sudan using a methodology based on the 'Sondeo' approach to RRA. Interviews were carried out with representative households in the various communities using a checklist as the basis for an unstructured conversation. Although the surveys did not use wealth ranking, an effort was made to understand social stratification by asking villagers to estimate what proportion of different types of households made up the villages. More conventional data from markets was also used. The RFSA confirmed that in years with poor rainfall, the landless are doubly affected as wages fall and food prices rise. This has led to recommendations about income support through public works and grain price stabilisation.

Examines the distinction between tree and land tenure, and the significance of this for forestry and other development projects. The use of rapid appraisals is discussed, with a range of techniques from the use of secondary documents and exisitng legal systems, to the discovery of informal rights. Discusses the sensitivity of tenure information, and importance of individual and group interviews, and sketch maps. The emphasis is on the importance of rights, particularly women's rights, to trees and tree products. Tenure rights may vary between individual holdings, the commons (where community rights and organisations are important) and Forest reserves. Predominantly RRA, even some questionaire use.

This paper focuses first on a few general issues: 1) how sketch mapping can be used in rural resource management projects; 2) the process of sketch mapping and; 3) the types of maps which may be useful. It is asserted that it is important to get away from the traditional view of accuracy as equivalent to locational correctness, accuracy needs to be defined in terms of purpose. "Hypothetical" maps might be employed to present a range of possible land uses which would form the basis for discussion. The second section presents two case studies where sketch mapping has been used as a diagnostic tool for studying indigenous forest management systems. 1) In Harayana, India, several types of participatory mapping were used; local geography, local land use patterns, resource distribution and resource condition. 2) A different mapping technique was used in the mountainous Mardi Khola area of Nepal; a sample of transects indicating types of land use were the main basis for discussion. The transect maps provided a generalised picture from which to derive hypotheses for further research.