Resources

A handbook for UNDP staff providing a brief introduction to the evolution of the participatory approach, a comparison of participatory evaluation with other approaches, a discussion of the role of participation in UNDP and a description of the framework of an evaluation.

This workbook describes 'systematization' as a method of instituting a continuous process of participatory relection and evaluation. It elaborates on the concept of systematization as well as the methodological procedures to follow in planning. The final section includes a number of tools that may be used for conducting the process. The tools emphasize the use of written exercises, worksheets and tables and raise insturctive questions and issues.

The United Mission to Nepal (UMN) Animal Health Improvement Project (AHIP) has been training Village Animal Health Workers (VAHW) in Pokhara, Nepal for the last decade. During this time approximately 350 VAHWs have been trained. This article outlines some of the techniques that were used to evaluate the subsequent progress of the trainees. General village-level information was gathered using various participatory methods, including mapping, wealth ranking, production information, labour diagrams, proportional piling and annual disease calendars, transect walks and progeny histories. Semi-structured interviews were also carried out individually with male and female farmers and VAHWs to find out how the VAHWs assessed their own work and how the farmers viewed the service they received.

This manual provides the underlying principles and guidelines for conducting self-evaluation. It consists of two parts: 1) a brochure on self-evaluation themes and concepts; 2) a brochure of suggestions for methodological procedure. The first part provides explanations and information concerning the concept of self-evaluation and its application in practice. It outlines the basic elements and general objectives of the self-evaluation process and the steps leading from self-evaluation theory to practical application. Four ætypesÆ of self-evaluation are explored: 1) self-evaluation for individuals, 2) self-evaluation for a group or team, 3) self-evaluation in an institution, 4) self-evaluation in projects/programmes. Part 2 of the manual gives examples and provides questions and checklists that may be used for self-evaluation.

The first part of the book provides a general discussion of participatory extension in the form of step-by-step guidelines that follow the stages of the ôextension cycleö: situation analysis, planning, implementation, as well as monitoring and evaluation. The book then considers in greater detail the application of participatory extension as part of ZambiaÆs ôNational Extension Action Planö. It examines the Siavonga Agricultural Development Project (SADP) which aims at developing and introducing appropriate agro-silvi-pastoral farming systems. Adopting a more participatory approach is viewed as a pre-condition to strengthening the extension system and reaching overall project objectives. Participatory elements can be integrated by way of transferring responsibilities and decision-making to lower levels, through self-monitoring, and by ensuring that marginalized groups are represented. In participatory M&E, all levels (extension agents and beneficiaries) are involved in defining what should be monitored and evaluated, by whom, when, and in which way. However, the authors point out that people have differing skills, knowledge and qualifications, and therefore propose a system which would take into account the interests and responsibilities of the involved participants and define the degree of participation at the various levels of M&E. For the Siavonga Project, the emphasis of PM&E is on self-monitoring, whereby extension agents and farmers elaborate together a system for recording and analysing information that is useful for both groups. It is argued that while there is a minimum of pre-conditions that facilitate participatory extension- notably the political commitment to local decision-making and democracy, flexibility within the extension system, and living conditions that allow farmers to fulfil their basic needs in terms of physical reproduction- these very conditions may actually be enhanced by actually practising participatory approaches. Annexes are provided at the end which include research questions and topics, interview guidelines, the training workshop, and manuals for using methods of participatory extension. While PRA is not explicitly discussed, an elaboration of the various participatory methods used (including mapping, transect walks, seasonal calendars, ranking, group discussions) is provided.

The first part of the book provides a general discussion of participatory extension in the form of step-by-step guidelines that follow the stages of the ôextension cycleö: situation analysis, planning, implementation, as well as monitoring and evaluation. The book then considers in greater detail the application of participatory extension as part of ZambiaÆs ôNational Extension Action Planö. It examines the Siavonga Agricultural Development Project (SADP) which aims at developing and introducing appropriate agro-silvi-pastoral farming systems. Adopting a more participatory approach is viewed as a pre-condition to strengthening the extension system and reaching overall project objectives. Participatory elements can be integrated by way of transferring responsibilities and decision-making to lower levels, through self-monitoring, and by ensuring that marginalized groups are represented. In participatory M&E, all levels (extension agents and beneficiaries) are involved in defining what should be monitored and evaluated, by whom, when, and in which way. However, the authors point out that people have differing skills, knowledge and qualifications, and therefore propose a system which would take into account the interests and responsibilities of the involved participants and define the degree of participation at the various levels of M&E. For the Siavonga Project, the emphasis of PM&E is on self-monitoring, whereby extension agents and farmers elaborate together a system for recording and analysing information that is useful for both groups. It is argued that while there is a minimum of pre-conditions that facilitate participatory extension- notably the political commitment to local decision-making and democracy, flexibility within the extension system, and living conditions that allow farmers to fulfil their basic needs in terms of physical reproduction- these very conditions may actually be enhanced by actually practising participatory approaches. Annexes are provided at the end which include research questions and topics, interview guidelines, the training workshop, and manuals for using methods of participatory extension. While PRA is not explicitly discussed, an elaboration of the various participatory methods used (including mapping, transect walks, seasonal calendars, ranking, group discussions) is provided.