Participatory Rural Appraisal: Potential Applications in Local Fieldworks and Rural Development Studies
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Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Geography & Planning Science University of Ado-Ekiti.
Abstract
Over the last few years, there has been an explosion of interest in participatory methodologies as a planning option and as a method of data collection strategy. This has been supported by the realization that involving people more actively in setting priorities and determining needs can make a difference in fieldwork and Rural Development Studies. Participatory Rural Appraisal is presented here as a strategy that has potentials over other forms of data collection strategies. It is not only a data collection strategy but also a form of planning strategy wherein local people are recognized in every stage of action. The advantages are numerous but not without its shortcomings. This paper describes further the potentials of farmers in identification of farm problems in Afon District in Kwara State, using Participatory Rural Appraisal as a tool of change among them. The results showed that farmers are aware of their local environment. This has also proved that through participatory strategies, participant can be drawn together to teach and lead outsiders in the ways of their daily life pattern as a method of data gathering and proffering solutions to problems within their local environments.
Description
Keywords
Participatory, Development, Appraisal, Learning, Reversals, Planners