Resources

With this pioneering book introducing participatory approaches in rural development, the author challenges preconceptions dominating rural development at the time. The central theme of the book is that rural poverty is often unseen or misperceived by outsiders, those who are not themselves rural and poor. The author contends that researchers, scientists, administrators and fieldworkers rarely appreciate the richness and validity of rural peopleÆs knowledge, or the hidden nature of rural poverty. He argues for a new professionalism, with fundamental reversals in outsidersÆ learning, values and behavior, and proposes more realistic action for tackling rural poverty. The book is divided into eight chapters focusing on rural poverty unperceived (i.e. as perceived by outsiders); two cultures of outsiders, negative academics vs. positive practitioners; how outsiders learn; power structures and knowledge; integrated rural poverty including deprivation, vulnerability and powerlessness; making priorities for action; reversals in professional values and bridging gaps between disciplines, professions and departments; and recommendations and discussion of practical actions.

The first section is a listing of a number of techniques which come under the umbrella of PRA, RRA or similar participatory research and planning approaches. This ranges from secondary sources, DIY, SSIs and direct observation to maps, seasonal calenders and ranking. Some specific issues involving working with PRA in South Africa are raised, drawing on a number of experiences and covering a number of different aspects of both methodology and behaviour and attitudes. The second section deals specifically with poverty/ vulnerability maps, and the third with indicators of poverty developed using qualitative research methods.

This document addresses the World BankÆs approach to country poverty assessments. It looks at the increasing involvement of stakeholder groups, with the aim of building in-country capacity to address the problems of the poor. With examples from a number of countries, it argues that the participation of government and other institutional stakeholders in all aspects of the work increases sensitivity to poverty issues, enhances analytical skills, and builds allegiance to the measures proposed for poverty reduction. In addition it claims that, conventional statistical analysis is complimented by qualitative information from participatory social assessments, which reveal the concerns voiced by the poor.

The paper starts with a question - are women as a group poor in the Republic of Guinea? and uses evidence from both the household survey and PRA in answering the question. Existing data on consumption poverty obtained from household surveys are assessed in detail in an attempt to answer the above question. PRA methods, such as well-being ranking, group discussion, social mapping are used in assessing gender deprivation. Finally, the paper addresses the question of generalisability of PRA based assessment in the larger, national context.

Draft copy of the final report of the South African participatory poverty assessment. See record 2036 for final copy.