About PRA and PRA Tools
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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 type of qualitative research focused on gaining a deep understanding of communities through inclusive participation. Unlike traditional rapid assessments, PRA emphasizes local involvement over speed, allowing community members to analyze their own situations rather than relying on external analysis. Originating from approaches like rapid rural appraisal (RRA) and applied anthropology, PRA is both a philosophy valuing insider knowledge and a methodology used in community development and participatory research.
Keywords
Qualitative Research, Applied Anthropology, Farming Systems Research, Participatory Research, Community Development
Citation
Participatory Rural Appraisal Handbook: Conducting PRAs in Kenya