PRA Tools Venn Diagrams
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Abstract
Participatory Assessment (PRA) is a particular form of QUALITATIVE RESEARCH used to gain an in-depth understanding of a community or a situation. It is sometimes called participatory 'rapid' assessment because the information is collected in a few weeks. PRA is a form of assessment based on the participation of a range of different people including people from the community affected by the work. The emphasis is on participation rather than on being particularly rapid (hence PRA is sometimes called participatory relaxed assessment). The aim is for people to analyse their own situation, rather than to have it analysed by outsiders. This makes it a particularly useful tool for any kind of community development.
Description
Participatory Assessment (PRA) is a qualitative research method emphasizing community-led analysis and decision-making. Unlike traditional research where outsiders extract data, PRA ensures that communities own the process and outcomes. It aims to shift power from external experts to local people enabling them to identify and act on their priorities. PRA is both a philosophy of empowerment and a flexible set of participatory tools for sustainable development.
Keywords
Long-term partnership, Community empowerment, Qualitative research, Local decision-making, Participatory tools and methods