Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) is an approach used by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other agencies involved in international development. The approach aims to incorporate the knowledge and opinions of rural people in the planning and management of development projects and programmes

1. Participatory Rural Appraisal
Technique of Rural Development
By Ehraz Siddiqui
Social Work, IIIrd Semester

2. History
The philosophical roots of participatory rural appraisal techniques can be traced to activist adult
education methods such as those of Paulo Freire and the study clubs of the Antigonish
Movement.[4] In this view, an actively involved and empowered local population is essential to
successful rural community development. Robert Chambers, a key exponent of PRA, argued that the
approach owes much to “the Freirian theme, that poor and exploited people can and should be
enabled to analyze their own reality.

4. Meaning
 Participatory Rural Appraisal is an approach used by Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and
international agencies involved in international development.
 Aims to incorporate knowledge and opinions of rural people in planning and management of development
projects and programmes by involving them in the process.
 Application of PRA methodology in areas like participatory poverty assessment, sustainable livelihood
analysis, assessment of hunger, vulnerability analysis, organizational analysis, monitoring and evaluation.
Separate sections on SWOT analysis and on the method of interview and dialogue are also included in the
book

5. Methods
 Rapport formation [between facilitator/organizer and locals]
 Understanding [the problem from the local’s perspective]
 Reframing [the problem in a way that makes its management possible]
 Solution searching [which, at this point, means narrowing down the numerous possible solutions to
a general type of solutions
 It uses methods like –
 1. Rural people examining their own problems, suggesting solutions and setting goals.
 2. Monitoring their achievement by analyzing the process.
 It decentralizes and empowers local communities and people to make decisions.

6. Techniques of PRA
 Understanding dynamics of a group or community, conducting surveys and sampling, social
mapping, interviewing and oral communication.
 Writing is generally avoided as it aims to have everyone ‘s partici pation. Oral communication is
relied upon.
 Use of visual images, symbols and diagrams are used to explain concepts.
 The rural people are trained to monitor the progress of the project.

7. Thanks
 Presented to – Dr. Richa Choudhary, Department of Social work
 Presented by – Ehraz Siddiqui