1 Limitations of PRA

Trying to use PRA as a standard survey to gather primarily quantitative data, using large sample sizes, and a questionnaire approach could greatly compromise the quality of the work and the insights produced. PRA generated data is seldom suitable for statistical analysis (given its largely qualitative nature and relatively small sample size) Generally, PRA sampling is done based on approximate stratification of the community by geographic location or relative wealth and crosschecking by using a number of techniques to investigate views on a single topic. Difficult to do in a community where the facilitators do not enjoy a good rapport with the community. In places, where local people have had bad experiences in the past, they might even boycott or the obstruct in the exercises might happen. Members of the elite and other dominant people may at times hijack the process. Though PRA method enables the poor and marginalized to set forth their realities, they may not come ahead and do it on their own unless special efforts are made.

D.I.Y. Exercises 1.Transect Walk 2.Pair-wise Ranking

1. Transect Walk: Individual Activity Take a walk around your neighborhood (IFMR Campus) for 10 min. Make a note of all that you observe. What inferences can you draw from your observations? Walk time: min Documenting observations: 05 min Drawing inferences: 05 min

Transect Walk: Group Activity Your are in a village and are required to undertake a transect walk. What are they key factors/things you would observe if you are intending to understand/impact issues relating to: –Health –Microfinance

Transect Walk: Health Traditional health practices Road facilities/Drainage/Soak pits Sanitation Water facilities – drinking water/Source of water- tanks, wells House type/House space/livestock shed Electricity Occupational health hazards Communication facilities Transport facilities Community infrastructure – school/noon meals centre/temple, church etc Hygiene conditions Hospital/PHC Major crops grown/major component of food Tractor facilities Cooking fuels – fuel wood, gas, chulhas General cleanliness of people Wine shops

Transect Walk: Microfinance Road facilities Water facilities Drinking water Sanitation House type/House space/livestock shed Electricity Communication facilities Transport facilities Main occupations Community infrastructure Village level enterprises Agricultural activities – use of tractors, major crops, subsistence/commercial agriculture

2. Pair-wise Ranking: Group Activity The facilitator is working as a consultant for an NGO and his/ her job is to understand the key issues in a village and prioritise these challenges faced to understand. You are a resident of the village and you are participating to help the development consultant identify the two most critical issues that need to be addressed in your community. 1. First list all the issues you can think of 2. Choose 6-7 specific issues to deliberate on. 3. Using pair wise ranking, prioritize the issues