PRA-Manual Embracing Participitation tools-only.pdf - PACA

3.14 EMBRACING PARTICIPATION IN DEVELOPMENT: Wisdom from the Field
the process. Since there are several facilitators functioning at the same time,
they need to have a shared understanding of the process. Second, daily review
of the process is crucial to gauge the progress. Review and reflection enables
the facilitators and the supervisors to assess whether the analysis carried out is
in-depth and clear. It also enables facilitators to learn from each other. Third,
poor or inadequate documentation is another factor that can affect the quality
of the assessments. Last, and perhaps the most important, is being rigorous
about triangulation.
1.14 Points worth remembering in the field
1.14.1 Don’t lose sight of the objectives
The most important point to remember as a facilitator of a participatory
appraisal is not to lose sight of the objectives of the appraisal. It is very easy to
get carried away by the quantum of information generated during such a process.
The facilitators have to be careful about ensuring the quality and depth of the
analysis rather than discussing too many issues with no real depth of understanding
on them. Reflection is an important aspect of this process.
Part 3
1.14.2 Establish a ‘Group Contract’ for facilitators
Coordination and a good understanding among the facilitators are also very
important. It helps to discuss individual behavior and attitudes (of the facilitators)
before going out in the field. Many facilitators find it useful to prepare a
commonly agreed ‘group contract’ before starting out in the field. This contract
comprises a set of behavioral norms collectively decided by the team of facilitators
in relation to how they will relate to each other during fieldwork and also
with members of the community. Such a contract acts as a reminder to us when
we are in the field. It also helps in giving feedback to fellow facilitators and
team members and in reflecting on our experience. Following is an example of
a group contract used by the team while facilitating participatory appraisals with
the adolescents in Lusaka Compounds.
TEAM GROUP CONTRACT
We agree to:
~ practice active listening (18) ;
~ be punctual;
~ be respectful towards the community members;
~ not to be biased against any individual or group;
~ try to put in my best efforts and work hard; and
~ not to argue amongst ourselves in front of the community members.
Source: Field notes of Meera Kaul Shah, Chawama Compound, Lusaka, Zambia