"Participatory research design appears as an attractive option in the study of community media organisations. It puts the generation of the research question, the design of data collection methods, and the analysis of the results in the hands of the researched. This approach can demystify the resear
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ch process and can be an empowering experience. But, as I found out with my doctoral research, the researcher needs to carefully assess an organisation’s capacity to undertake do-it-yourself research, because, when things go wrong, this approach can also reveal conflicts within an organisation, as well as give rise to tension resulting from the divergent needs of the researcher and those of the researched. This paper describes the troubles that arose during fieldwork conducted at a community radio station, how these unexpected events forced a reformulation of the research question, and how this eventually led to an improved theoretical insight." (Abstract)
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"This guide is intended for people working in research and development. It introduces participatory development communication concepts, discusses the effective two-way communication approaches, and presents a methodology to plan, develop, and evaluate communication strategies to address the followin
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g questions: How can researchers and practitioners improve communication with local communities and other stakeholders? How can two-way communication enhance community participation in research and development initiatives and improve the capacity of communities to participate in the management of their natural resources? How can researchers, community members, and development practitioners improve their ability to effectively reach policymakers and promote change?" (Publisher description)
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"This short book describes an Oxfam video team's experience of using video as a participatory development tool in a rural community in Vietnam. The author describes the process in detail, including the day-to-day details of the team's stay in Ky Nam village, with team members, villagers and the comm
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une and district authorities' reactions. This is a critical reflection on the issues raised, how villagers' expectations were heigthened by the work but not always fulfilled, and how the nature of 'participation' is more complex than first appears. The book makes a powerful claim for the usefulness of this medium. It will be interesting reading not only for development workers with an interest in video work, but for anyone committed to participatory approaches to development." (Media development, nr. 2/1999 pages 79-80)
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"With the increasing use of PRA methods and practices by NGOs, governments and multinational agencies, the potential impact for poor people is phenomenal. The book demonstrates the far-reaching implications of such approaches for the development sector. It is presented in an easily readable three pa
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rt structure. Part 1 explores case studies in which participatory methods and approaches have been used to influence policy, Part 2 concentrates on PPA (Participatory Poverty Analysis), an innovative approach designed to bring local poverty and policy analysis into the policy process, and Part 3 discusses key issues arising during the Institute of Development Studies workshop, and includes chapters by several participants." (Catalogue Intermediate Technology Publications 2000)
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"Recognizing that policy decisions are typically made under pressure of time and on the basis of incomplete data or with limited resources with which to obtain information, the authors provide guidance on how to locate, evaluate and use relevant information, fast. This book is essential reading for
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development managers in NGOs and public sector agencies and students of development management and development studies more generally." (Catalogue Intermediate Technology Publications 2000)
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