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

3.26 EMBRACING PARTICIPATION IN DEVELOPMENT: Wisdom from the Field
These detailed maps were very useful reference materials as they helped in
understanding the diversity that exists in a compound. We found them of great
use throughout the subsequent stages of the appraisals.
It is important to mention here that mapping is probably the easiest visual technique
that can be used with the local people. Those who use it for the first time
never fail to be amazed by the depth of analysis and the ease with which the
local community can carry it out. It is, therefore, important to not get carried
away by the first maps – this is only the beginning. Participatory mapping has
to be used as a means for further analysis and is not an end in itself.
2.2 Census Mapping
As the name suggests, this is a quantitative tool used in the qualitative appraisal
(or monitoring) process. Census mapping is used to put together easily quantifiable
information about the settlement. Household information, like number of
adults (men and women), number of children (boys and girls), education and
literacy, employment, resource ownership, health problems (e.g., incidence of
malaria or tuberculosis), use of contraceptives, etc. can be analyzed using this
method.
Census mapping can be carried out in two different ways
1. using cards; and
2. using the social map.
Part 3
Using Cards
In this case, household cards, one per household, are prepared. Each card
carries a number or a name that identifies the household it represents. All the
information pertaining to that household is completed on the card. This can be
done using symbols or colors for different variables (e.g., red dots for girls, green
for boys, etc.) or by writing on the card (24) .
Using the Social Map
Since the social map shows all the households living in the area, it is very easy
to fill in census information for each of the households on the map. This is a
fairly simple method and within very little time it is possible to prepare a basic
demographic database for the settlement with the local people.